Manel Kape Aims to Make a Statement Against Kyoji Horiguchi at UFC Vegas 119

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - Manel Kape, the No. 2-ranked flyweight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), is set to face off against Kyoji Horiguchi in a highly anticipated rematch at UFC Vegas 119 this Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas. This clash has been nearly a decade in the making, and Kape is eager to prove his worth in the octagon.

Although a title shot against champion Joshua Van is on the line, with Van slated to rematch Alexandre Pantoja later this year, Kape decided to take the risk of competing against the formidable Horiguchi instead of waiting for his opportunity. Kape recently earned a title shot after a spectacular first-round knockout of Brandon Royval but was unable to make weight for UFC 327, leading to Tatsuro Taira stepping in for the bout.

“I could have waited for the title shot, but I chose to fight the hardest opponent in the division,” Kape stated during the UFC Vegas 119 media day. He views this match as a chance to intimidate potential challengers for the championship. “This tells a lot about me and how confident I am,” he added, underscoring his champion mentality and commitment to facing tough competition.

While Kape is riding a three-fight knockout streak, he recognizes that taking on a dangerous opponent like Horiguchi carries risks. History has shown that fighters who prioritize staying active over waiting for title shots can sometimes find their plans derailed by a single loss. However, Kape is determined to solidify his title contender status by defeating Horiguchi and moving forward without hesitation.

As fans eagerly await the UFC Vegas 119 event, Kape's bold choice could redefine his path in the flyweight division.