by AAA Sports
Saturday, Jan 31, 2026The Main Event
The upcoming UFC Fight Night main event on February 7, 2026, at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas features an important and exciting bantamweight clash between No. 9-ranked contender Mario Bautista (16-3) and the surging Vinicius Oliveira (23-3) aka "Lok Dog," in a five-round bout featured on Paramount Plus. Bautista is favored in the -180 to -200 range.
Bautista was last seen on the wrong end of a decision against Umar Nurmagomedov. Prior to that, he'd been riding high after a strong run of eight straight wins, most recently beating Jose Aldo (split decision) and Patrick Mix. A well-rounded fighter, Bautista combines a strong striking game (averaging 5.6 significant strikes per minute) with a solid takedown defense. He's looking to bounce back and make a push toward the top 5.
Oliveira, undefeated in the UFC with four straight wins including decisions over Ricky Simon, Said Nurmagomedov and Kyler Phillips. Earlier in his career, he has shown that he possesses knockout power. The 30 year old Brazilian offers aggressive orthodox striking and has a longer reach than Bautista and finishing threat to test Bautista's resilience in what promises to be a high-stakes striker's battle with title implications on the line for the winner.
The total has yet to be set but this fight would seem to have a pretty good chance at going the distance. Each of Bautista's last five fights have been decided by the judges. Likewise, each of Oliveira's last three fights have been decision victories.
The Verdict -- There's no shame in losing to Umar Nurmagomedov, as he is 20-1 and one of the best in the world. He's the only fighter to defeat Bautista since 2021. Bautista has never lost two in a row. Each of his previous losses were immediately followed by victories. His experience will serve him well and he's likely to hand Oliveira his first UFC loss. Go with Bautista
The Co Main Event
32-year old Amir "The Prince" Albazi (17-2) takes on 35-year old Kyoji Horiguchi (35-5) in the co-main event. The more experienced Horiguchi is a significant -325 favorite.
Albazi, who comes from Iraq, is returning after a 15-month layoff following a unanimous decision loss to Brandon Moreno in November 2024. Prior to that, he'd won six straight. He brings elite grappling, submission threats, and wrestling control, having previously rattled off six straight wins.
Hailing from Japan, Horiguchi is a the former Bellator and RIZIN champion making his second UFC run, rides momentum from a quick submission win over Tagir Ulanbekov in his recent Octagon return. He possesses explosive speed, crisp striking, and well-rounded finishing ability. He's 6-0 with a no-contest in his last seven.
The Verdict -- Though Horiguchi may well end up victorious, he is 35 and hasn't had a ton of time between fights. Albazi has a significant 12-inch reach advantage. If he can make that work for him, he has a real chance at scoring the big upset. Looking for a large underdog payout? Consider Albazi
