Kyoji Horiguchi and Manel Kape rematch at UFC Fight Night 279
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 10:50 PM
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
Kyoji Horiguchi is set to rematch Manel Kape at UFC Fight Night 279 on June 18 at Meta APEX in Las Vegas. Nearly nine years after their first bout, Horiguchi aims to showcase his improvements since their last encounter, where he won by submission. Both fighters are on the verge of a flyweight title shot, making this matchup pivotal for their careers. Horiguchi expressed confidence in his skills, emphasizing his determination to secure a victory and pursue the championship.
- •Horiguchi holds a 36-5 MMA record, Kape 22-7.
- •First fight ended with Horiguchi winning by submission.
- •Match scheduled for June 18, 2026.
- •Current champion is Joshua Van after successful defense.
- •Horiguchi aims for a future title shot following this match.
- 7:00 PMYahoo Sports — UFC Vegas 119 Preview Show: Can Manel Kape avenge his loss to Kyoji Horiguchi?
- 5:23 PMYahoo Sports — UFC Vegas 119 preview and predictions: Kyoji Horiguchi or Manel Kape — who wins?
- 10:50 PMYahoo Sports — Kyoji Horiguchi 'not scared' of Manel Kape in UFC Vegas 119 rematch
"UFC Vegas 119 showcases the flyweights as Kape and Horiguchi run it back nearly a decade after their first battle in Japan.
"Kyoji Horiguchi intends to show he's still better than Manel Kape almost nine years after their first meeting.
"MMA Fighting previews UFC Vegas 119 and the rematch between Manel Kape and Kyoji Horiguchi
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 19, 2026, 7:00 PMUFC Vegas 119 Preview Show: Can Manel Kape avenge his loss to Kyoji Horiguchi?
MMA Fighting previews UFC Vegas 119 and the rematch between Manel Kape and Kyoji Horiguchi
- Yahoo SportsJun 19, 2026, 5:23 PMUFC Vegas 119 preview and predictions: Kyoji Horiguchi or Manel Kape — who wins?
UFC Vegas 119 showcases the flyweights as Kape and Horiguchi run it back nearly a decade after their first battle in Japan.
- Yahoo SportsJun 17, 2026, 10:50 PMKyoji Horiguchi 'not scared' of Manel Kape in UFC Vegas 119 rematch
Kyoji Horiguchi intends to show he's still better than Manel Kape almost nine years after their first meeting.
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