UFC Fight Night takes place at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas on Saturday the 7th of February (early Sunday in South Africa) with an intriguing bantamweight main event as Mario Bautista faces rising Brazilian contender Vinicius Oliveira. We take a closer look at the headline bout as well as two additional fights on the Main Card from a betting angle.
Click here to bet on the full fight card.
MARIO BAUTISTA vs VINICIUS OLIVEIRA
Bantamweight – Main Event:
Mario Bautista steps into this headline bout holding a record of 10 wins and 3 losses under the UFC. The American has developed into one of the most well-rounded operators in the division, combining slick grappling with accurate boxing and a disciplined tactical approach.
Bautista last competed in October 2025, suffering a unanimous decision defeat to Umar Nurmagomedov. Prior to that setback he had put together an impressive run of 8 victories in a row, including decision wins over Patchy Mix and former champion José Aldo, proving he can compete with the elite at 135lbs.
Vinicius Oliveira arrives with a solid resume of 4-0 within the institution. The Brazilian has quickly established himself as a dangerous striker with knockout power, while also demonstrating the patience to win fights on the scorecards when required.
Oliveira comes into this contest in superb form and he will look to make a statement this weekend. He most recently earned a unanimous decision over Kyler Phillips in July 2025, adding to previous points victories against Said Nurmagomedov, Ricky Simon and a 3rd Round knockout win over Bernardo Sopaj in his debut.
BETTING – click here to bet
Bautista 1.65
Oliveira 2.30
PREDICTION:
This looks a classic striker versus all-rounder matchup. Bautista’s grappling could pose problems, but Oliveira’s confidence and momentum are hard to ignore. I am expecting a competitive fight with Bautista doing enough on the mat to edge a decision.
AMIR ALBAZI vs KYOJI HORIGUCHI
Flyweight – Co-Main Event:
Amir Albazi enters this clash with a record of 5 wins and 1 loss inside the organisation. The Iraqi fighter is known for his slick submission game and measured pressure, which have carried him to the upper tier of the division in just a few fights although he has not fought frequently.
Albazi last fought in November 2024 when he dropped a unanimous decision to former champion Brandon Moreno over five rounds. Before that he had claimed a split decision win over Kai Kara-France and a knockout of Alessandro Costa, highlighting his ability to mix finishing threats with strong cardio.
Kyoji Horiguchi makes a welcome return to the UFC holding an outstanding career tally of 35 wins and 5 defeats. The Japanese star holds vast championship experience from both Rizin and Bellator, along with lightning-fast movement and elite wrestling.
Horiguchi arrives on the back of a submission victory over Tagir Ulanbekov in November 2025 where he made his first appearance in the UFC since 2016 and he has won six of his last seven contests across multiple promotions with the remainder resulting in a no contest. His speed and fight IQ remain at an exceptionally high level despite a career which dates back to 2010.
BETTING – click here to bet
Albazi 3.85
Horiguchi 1.29
PREDICTION:
Albazi’s grappling is dangerous, but Horiguchi’s experience and footwork could lean the fight in his favour. I believe the Japanese veteran will control the range and outwork Albazi to win by decision after a hard-fought war.
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JAILTON ALMEIDA vs RIZVAN KUNIEV
Heavyweight – Main Card Bout:
Jailton Almeida comes into this heavyweight encounter with a UFC record of 8 wins and 2 losses. The Brazilian is renowned for his suffocating ground control and submission skills, which have made him one of the most feared grapplers in the division.
Almeida last appeared in October 2025, losing a split decision to Alexander Volkov after previously knocking out Serghei Spivac in the opening round.
Rizvan Kuniev opposes him with a record of 12 wins, 3 defeats and 1 draw. The Russian heavyweight possesses serious physical strength and finishing power, with a background that blends wrestling and heavy hands.
Kuniev most recently dropped a narrow split decision to Curtis Blaydes in June 2025 when he made his debut under the promotion, following a stoppage win against Hugo Cunha on Dana White’s Contender Series.
BETTING – click here to bet
Almeida 1.61
Kuniev 2.40
PREDICTION:
Almeida’s grappling pedigree should be the key factor. If he secures early takedowns, it is difficult to see Kuniev surviving for long. I am expecting Almeida to earn a submission victory inside the distance.
SUGGESTED BETS:
Bautista vs Oliveira
Bautista by decision at 3.15
Albazi vs Horiguchi
Horiguchi by decision at 1.87
Almeida vs Kuniev
Almeida by submission at 3.25
I will also stick some small change on all 3 bets arriving. The Treble works out to 19.14
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but subject to change.
