This main event at UFC Fight Night: Kape vs Horiguchi 2 is a rematch nearly nine years in the making. The pair first met under the RIZIN banner in 2017, when Horiguchi defeated Kape via submission. Now they meet again with a likely No. 1 contender spot at stake in the UFC flyweight division.
Kape enters the fight in the best form of his UFC career. Since overcoming a rocky start in the promotion, he has won seven of his last eight fights and is riding a three-fight knockout streak. Horiguchi’s return to the UFC has been equally impressive. The former RIZIN and Bellator champion has defeated Tagir Ulanbekov and Amir Albazi since returning to the promotion and has quickly climbed back into title contention.
Manel Kape
Last 3 bouts
Win. Brandon Royval – TKO
Win. Asu Almabayev – TKO
Win . Bruno Gustavo da Silva – TKO
Fighting style
Explosive southpaw striker with exceptional speed, power, and counterstriking ability. Kape thrives in chaotic exchanges and possesses some of the best finishing instincts in the flyweight division.
Strengths
Elite hand speed and knockout power for a flyweight
Excellent counterstriking and timing
Strong takedown defense
Momentum from a three-fight knockout streak
Dangerous in every phase of striking exchanges
Weaknesses
Can be inactive at times while looking for counters
Occasionally gives away rounds due to low output
Has struggled against elite grapplers in the past
Sometimes relies too heavily on athleticism
Keys to victory
Keep the fight standing and force striking exchanges
Use his reach advantage and southpaw stance
Defend takedowns and avoid prolonged grappling sequences
Attack the body to slow Horiguchi’s movement
Kyoji Horiguchi
Last 3 bouts:
Win. Amir Albazi – Unanimous Decision
Win. Tagir Ulanbekov – Submission
Win. Nkazimulo Zulu – Unanimous Decision
Fighting style
Karate-based mixed martial artist with elite footwork, quick entries, strong wrestling, and a well-rounded grappling game. Horiguchi blends speed and technique better than almost anyone at flyweight.
Strengths:
Outstanding movement and angles
High-level wrestling and scrambling ability
Excellent fight IQ and adaptability
Championship experience in multiple organizations
Proven ability to win rounds consistently
Weaknesses:
Gives up reach and size against many opponents
Blitzing attacks can leave him open to counters
At 35 years old, questions remain about long-term durability
Less one-shot finishing power than Kape
Keys to victory
Mix striking with takedown attempts
Use movement to avoid Kape’s power shots
Force Kape to work at a high pace for five rounds
Recreate the grappling success he had in their first meeting
Odds
Manel Kape -150
Kyoji Horiguchi +130
