Manel Kape gets revenge, stops Kyoji Horiguchi In UFC Vegas 119 Main Event. Kape found the one shot he needed, scoring a spectacular third-round knockout to avenge his 2017 loss and strengthen his claim for a UFC flyweight title shot.
The UFC returned to the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, on June 20, 2026, with a highly anticipated flyweight main event between Manel Kape and Kyoji Horiguchi. Nearly a decade after their first meeting in Japan, the two elite flyweights are set to renew their rivalry in a fight that could have major implications for the division’s title picture.
Manel Kape entered the bout as one of the hottest fighters in the flyweight division. The Portuguese-Angolan contender is currently riding a three-fight knockout streak. His most recent victory came in December 2025 when he stopped former title challenger Brandon Royval by first-round TKO, further strengthening his case for a shot at UFC gold. Before that, Kape earned impressive victories over Asu Almabayev and Bruno Silva, showcasing the explosive striking that has made him one of the division’s most dangerous finishers. The only defeat during his recent run came against Muhammad Mokaev in July 2024, when Kape lost a unanimous decision in a highly competitive contest. Since then, however, he has responded emphatically with a series of statement performances.
Horiguchi returned to another UFC main event carrying momentum of his own. Since re-signing with the promotion, the former RIZIN and Bellator champion has gone 2-0 inside the Octagon. In November 2025, the Japanese star submitted Tagir Ulanbekov in the third round, earning a Performance of the Night bonus. He followed that performance with a unanimous decision victory over Amir Albazi in February 2026, reminding fans why he has long been regarded as one of the best lighter-weight fighters in MMA.
Horiguchi’s most recent loss came in April 2022, when he dropped a decision to Patchy Mix outside the UFC. Since then, he has continued to collect victories across multiple promotions and has quickly re-established himself as a top contender following his return to the UFC.
Horiguchi came out looking sharp and immediately showed why he remains one of the most respected flyweights in the world. The Japanese veteran mixed his striking well, landing clean combinations while using his movement to keep Kape guessing. Whenever Kape tried to explode forward, Horiguchi answered with quick counters and smart positioning. He also mixed in grappling exchanges that helped him control portions of the round and prevent Kape from finding his rhythm. Kape shrugged off a couple of takedown attempts but Horiguchi did slip through with a nasty body kick just before the round ended.
Horiguchi landed an early body kick in the second round and used a takedown feint that forced Kape to react dramatically. Horiguchi then nearly connected with a head kick before landing a left hand that visibly rocked Kape, forcing him to back up for the first time in the fight. He followed up with a knee tap takedown and secured top half guard. From the top position, Horiguchi controlled the action with steady pressure and short strikes, but he struggled to generate significant damage. Kape regained full guard and landed several short elbows from the bottom. Horiguchi later improved his position, landed a strong elbow, passed back to half guard, and continued scoring with punches.
Horiguchi combined effective striking, takedowns, and top control before standing up just before the final horn.
As the fight entered the third round, Kape began opening up with his striking and came forward aggressively in search of a finish. Just as it seemed he was starting to build momentum, Horiguchi landed a sharp counter that instantly slowed the charge of “Starboy.” However, when it appeared Horiguchi was beginning to take control, Kape fired back with a devastating right hand that left the Japanese veteran badly hurt and struggling to stay steady. Moments later, Kape dropped Horiguchi to the canvas and unleashed a barrage of punches. The finish came shortly when Kape landed another crushing shot that sent Horiguchi face-first to the mat, forcing the referee to step in and wave off the contest.
“Kyoji’s an amazing fighter,” Kape said after the win. “Maybe the best fighter I ever fought in my life. I want to be like him and if I’m here in this position it’s because of Kyoji. “One thing about me, I never give up. I face more adversity in life. I knew he was going to touch me at some point. One thing about me, if I touch you one time, believe me, you’re going to be dead. “I don’t know what the plans UFC has,” Kape said. “I fought the best fighter in this division. I need to fight for the belt.”
For Kape, this fight is about more than rankings or title implications, it’s personal. Nearly a decade after their first meeting, he finally gets the opportunity to rewrite history. If he can defeat Horiguchi in the main event, the road to a championship shot may become impossible for the UFC to ignore.
