Full Breakdown
Flyweight Rematch at UFC Fight Night 279: Kape vs. Horiguchi
6/19/2026, 12:09:47 PM
Rematch Set for UFC Fight Night 279
On June 20, 2026 the UFC will stage its main event at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas: No. 2 flyweight contender Manel Kape versus former title challenger Kyoji Horiguchi. The bout is billed as a potential title-eliminator, with the winner expected to be positioned for a future shot at the UFC flyweight championship held by Joshua Van.
Background: 2017 RIZIN Bout and Career Paths
The two athletes first met in 2017 during the RIZIN bantamweight Grand Prix, where Horiguchi secured a third-round arm-triangle choke. Since then, Kape has built a three-fight knockout streak in the UFC, while Horiguchi accumulated titles in Bellator and RIZIN before re-joining the UFC in 2025. Both fighters now seek to translate their multi-promotion success into a UFC title opportunity.
Key Figures: Manel Kape and Kyoji Horiguchi
Manel Kape (32) entered the fight with a professional record of 22-7 (7-3 in the UFC) and recent Performance-of-the-Night honors for a first-round knockout of Brandon Royval. Kyoji Horiguchi (35) holds a 36-5 record (9-1 in the UFC), a history of championships in Bellator and RIZIN, and five consecutive wins—including UFC victories over Tagir Ulanbekov and Amir Albazi—leading into the bout.
Recent Form and Statistics
- Kape: three straight KO/TKO victories; ranked No. 2 in the UFC flyweight division.
- Horiguchi: five-fight win streak; noted for striking, jiu-jitsu, and wrestling improvements.
- Both fighters have expressed confidence in their current physical condition and skill sets.
Title Implications
Analysts note that a victory would likely place the winner in the next title-contender slot, though the UFC has not formally designated the fight as a title eliminator. The outcome could also affect the timing of a projected Van-vs-Pantoja rematch, which remains unconfirmed.
Official Statements & Responses
Kape emphasized his willingness to face the division’s toughest opponent, stating his choice was intended to “scare the other guys that are maybe going to fight for the title.” Horiguchi expressed enthusiasm for the main-event slot, noting he “has a good opponent” and is not intimidated by Kape’s recent knockout run. Both fighters highlighted personal growth since their 2017 encounter.
Criticism of the Gamble
Commentary outlets caution that Kape’s decision to forgo a potential immediate title shot in favor of a high-risk opponent could backfire, recalling past instances where fighters lost momentum after a single defeat. The risk is amplified by Kape’s prior missed-weight incident that cost him a title-shot opportunity.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Media sources differ on the bout’s official status: some describe it as “most likely” a title eliminator, while others stress that the UFC has not formally announced such stakes. Additionally, no UFC spokesperson or promotional statement confirming the eliminator designation appears in the available coverage.
Verbatim Quotes
- “One hundred percent, that's why I picked this guy, so I can scare the other guys that are maybe going to (fight) for the title,” — Manel Kape, UFC flyweight contender
- “First I will beat Kape’s ass, then next, I dunno, who’s champion at that time, but after that I will get the belt,” — Kyoji Horiguchi, former UFC title challenger
- “Honestly I don’t remember that fight, because I got headbutted,” — Kyoji Horiguchi, former UFC title challenger
- “I’m really happy, because this is main event, and I have a good opponent,” — Kyoji Horiguchi, UFC flyweight contender
- “Good fighter, I'm happy to face him right now,” — Manel Kape, UFC flyweight contender
What’s Next
The winner will likely be slated for a future flyweight title bout, while the UFC prepares its next marquee events, including a potential Van-vs-Pantoja rematch and UFC 329 in July. Both athletes remain focused on securing the championship opportunity that has eluded them for years.
