Full Breakdown
Kape’s Revenge: Knockout Victory Over Horiguchi Positions Him for Flyweight Title Shot
6/21/2026, 8:35:27 AM
The Main Event Unfolds
At UFC Fight Night 119 on June 20, 2026, the flyweight rematch between Angola’s Manel Kape and Japan’s Kyoji Horiguchi took place at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. Referee Herb Dean stopped the bout at 2:42 of the third round after Kape landed a counter right hand that dropped Horiguchi, followed by a flurry of punches on the ground. The result was recorded as a technical knockout (TKO) in favor of Kape.
Background & Context
The two fighters first met on December 31, 2017, at a RIZIN Grand Prix final, where Horiguchi secured a third-round arm-triangle choke. Both subsequently moved to the UFC’s flyweight division. Kape entered the rematch on a three-fight knockout streak, ranked No. 2 in the division, and seeking his first title opportunity. Horiguchi, a former UFC title challenger and former RIZIN and Bellator champion, was No. 5 after a 2-0 UFC run since his November 2025 return.
Fighter Profiles
- Manel Kape – 24-7 MMA record (8-3 UFC), six UFC knockouts (division record), southpaw with a two-inch reach advantage.
- Kyoji Horiguchi – 36-6 MMA record (9-2 UFC), former champion in RIZIN and Bellator, known for striking and grappling versatility.
- Joshua Van – UFC flyweight champion, observed the event from cageside.
- Alexandre Pantoja – Former champion, potential opponent for Van that could affect Kape’s title path.
Data & Statistics
- Kape’s fourth consecutive KO/TKO, extending his UFC win streak to eight fights (seven in his last eight appearances).
- Horiguchi suffered his fourth knockout loss.
- Rankings after the fight: Kape remains No. 2, Horiguchi stays No. 5.
Official Statements & Responses
UFC officials have not announced the next flyweight championship bout, noting that a possible Van vs. Pantoja rematch is the only factor that could delay Kape’s title shot. Champion Joshua Van was present at the event, confirming his awareness of Kape’s performance. Kape summarized his position, stating the victory “was enough” to earn a championship opportunity and that he would await the organization’s decision.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts from MMA Fighting argued that Horiguchi’s grappling and experience could have secured a decision win, emphasizing Kape’s reliance on finishes rather than sustained round-by-round dominance. Some commentators highlighted Kape’s historical difficulty in winning on judges’ scorecards.
On-the-Ground Report
Sportsnet reported that Horiguchi controlled the first two rounds with body kicks and takedowns, while Kape absorbed adversity and landed the decisive counter right hand in round three, leading to the stoppage.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Kape’s overall record (23-7 vs. 24-7) and the total number of UFC knockouts (four vs. six). No official UFC communication has confirmed the exact opponent for Kape’s next fight.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Horiguchi is an amazing fighter, the best fighter I've ever fought in my life,” — Manel Kape, post-fight interview
- “I knew he was going to catch me at some point.” — Manel Kape
- “It was enough,” — Manel Kape, UFC Fight Night 279 press conference
- “One thing about me, if I touch you one time, believe me, you're going to be dead.” — Manel Kape
- “I want to pass Derrick Lewis.” — Manel Kape, interview on knockout record
What’s Next
With the win, Kape is positioned as the leading contender for Joshua Van’s flyweight title, pending the outcome of the anticipated Van-Pantoja rematch. The UFC has not set a date, but scheduling a Kape-Van bout is expected later in 2026.
