Manel Kape vs Kyoji Horiguchi 2 – The UFC heads back to the Apex this weekend following the spectacle of UFC Freedom 250, but the main event of UFC Vegas 119 carries stakes that are just as significant for the flyweight division.
Manel Kape and Kyoji Horiguchi will meet in a highly anticipated rematch nearly nine years after their first encounter in RIZIN. While their initial meeting took place when both fighters were at different stages of their careers, Saturday’s clash comes with much more on the line. With flyweight champion Joshua Van sitting atop the division and former champion Alexandre Pantoja expected to receive a rematch, the winner could place themselves firmly in contention for a title opportunity later this year.
Manel Kape vs Kyoji Horiguchi 2 – A rivalry nearly a decade in the making
The first chapter of this rivalry dates back to December 2017 when Horiguchi and Kape met in the RIZIN Bantamweight Grand Prix.
At the time, Horiguchi was already an established name. The Japanese star had left the UFC after compiling a 7 and 1 record inside the Octagon and quickly found success in RIZIN. Kape, meanwhile, was an exciting young prospect still building his reputation on the international stage.
Their encounter ended with Horiguchi securing a third round arm triangle choke submission victory. While that result remains on the record books, both men believe the upcoming fight is an entirely different contest.
We’re different fighters, different environments, different resources Kape told UFC.com.
“Things that I didn’t have before for a long time. He had it already at that time. I was a young kid. Fearless. Talented. But not in the right garage. You had a Ferrari, but in a popular, ordinary garage.”
The Angolan contender believes his growth since that defeat has transformed him into a far more complete martial artist. Now training with elite coaches and surrounded by world class resources, Kape enters the rematch full of confidence.
Kape entering his prime
Since suffering a disappointing loss to Muhammad Mokaev, Kape has rebuilt momentum with three consecutive victories. His most impressive performance came against Brandon Royval, a win that elevated him into the upper tier of the flyweight division.
Currently ranked above Horiguchi, Kape views this fight as the final step toward a championship opportunity.
The 32 year old believes one of the biggest differences between himself and the version that fought in 2017 is his technical development.
His speed was his advantage, timing, Kape said. I know his game too well. Right now, I’m with a very good strategy, and whatever he shows me, I will be very ready to face anything he shows me Saturday night.
His confidence is understandable. Kape has developed into one of the most dangerous strikers in the division while improving his defensive wrestling and overall fight management.
Horiguchi remains a serious threat
While Kape may be entering his physical prime, Horiguchi continues to prove that experience remains one of the most valuable weapons in mixed martial arts.
The former RIZIN champion enters UFC Vegas 119 riding an eight fight unbeaten streak. Since returning to the UFC, he has secured two victories and quickly reminded everyone why he remains one of the best lighter weight fighters of his generation.
Horiguchi acknowledges Kape’s growth but remains convinced he can repeat history.
It’s not the same opponent, Horiguchi said.
It’s like a new opponent. Also, he has good striking and good defense, and good takedown defense, so I’m focused on mixing up everything, using everything. Then, I will finish him.
At 35 years old, Horiguchi may not possess the same explosiveness he had during his first UFC run, but his fight IQ, versatility and composure continue to make him a difficult challenge for any flyweight.
Title implications add extra pressure
The significance of Manel Kape vs Kyoji Horiguchi 2 extends far beyond personal history.
Both men successfully made weight for the contest, with Horiguchi weighing in at 125 pounds and Kape at 126 pounds. The matchup is now official, and the winner will likely move into a prime position within the title conversation.
For Kape, victory would validate years of development and potentially secure the championship opportunity he has been chasing.
For Horiguchi, a win would complete an incredible return story and place him within touching distance of UFC gold once again.
More than just a rematch
Many rematches rely solely on past history to generate interest. Manel Kape vs Kyoji Horiguchi 2 one offers much more.
The flyweight division has evolved dramatically since these two first met. Both fighters have captured championships outside the UFC, gained valuable experience and refined their skill sets.
Now Manel Kape vs Kyoji Horiguchi 2 FIGHT under the brightest spotlight of their rivalry.
The result could determine the next challenger in one of the UFC’s most competitive divisions. More importantly, it will finally answer a question that has lingered for nearly a decade.
Has Manel Kape grown enough to avenge the most significant loss of his early career, or will Kyoji Horiguchi once again prove to be his toughest obstacle?
The answer arrives in the main event of UFC Vegas 119.
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