Ali Akbar Rosady
Las Vegas, NV – The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to host its latest Fight Night installment this Saturday, June 20, 2026, featuring a highly anticipated flyweight rematch between No. 2 ranked Manel Kape and No. 5 ranked Kyoji Horiguchi. The six-bout main card will commence at 8 p.m. ET, broadcasting live from the Meta APEX in Las Vegas on Paramount+. This event marks a return to the promotion’s familiar home base following recent international engagements.
The main event pits two of the flyweight division’s most dynamic competitors against each other in a pivotal contest that could significantly impact the title picture. Manel Kape, a dangerous striker known for his knockout power, enters the octagon as the slight betting favorite at -148. His opponent, the highly experienced Kyoji Horiguchi, a karate black belt with a comprehensive skill set, is listed as the underdog at +124. The over/under for total rounds in their five-round bout is set at 4.5, with the "Over" currently favored at -125, suggesting expectations for a prolonged and tactical affair.
This upcoming clash is not the first time Kape and Horiguchi have shared a cage. Their initial encounter took place in December 2017 under the Rizin Fighting Federation banner, where Horiguchi emerged victorious via submission. That victory was part of a remarkable 13-fight win streak for Horiguchi, establishing him as a dominant force in multiple promotions. The intervening years have seen both fighters evolve, adding layers to their respective games, setting the stage for a compelling rematch with heightened stakes within the UFC’s elite flyweight landscape.
Manel Kape: The "Prodigio" on a Resurgent Run
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Manel Kape (22-7-0), aged 32, fights out of Thailand and carries the nickname "Starboy." His professional mixed martial arts career began in 2012, initially competing in the flyweight division before a stint at bantamweight from 2014 to 2019. Kape’s return to flyweight has coincided with his ascent in the UFC. He made his promotional debut in 2021, facing initial setbacks with two consecutive losses. However, Kape has since demonstrated remarkable resilience and improvement, securing seven victories in his last eight outings. Notably, his last three wins have all come by way of knockout, underscoring his formidable striking ability and finishing instinct.
The Angolan-Portuguese fighter has established himself as one of the most exciting and effective strikers in the UFC’s flyweight division. Statistical analysis reveals his impact: Kape is tied for the most knockouts (five) in the division’s history and ranks third for the most knockdowns (seven). His aggressive, high-pressure style often overwhelms opponents, leading to spectacular finishes. Physically, Kape holds a slight edge over Horiguchi, being three years younger and possessing a one-inch leg reach advantage, factors that could play a role in their strategic approaches on Saturday night. His recent momentum and proven ability to finish fights make him a challenging opponent for anyone in the division.
Kyoji Horiguchi: The Karate Master’s Return to Prominence
Kyoji Horiguchi (36-5-0), 35, trains out of Florida and brings a storied karate background to the octagon, holding a black belt in Shotokan karate. His professional MMA career commenced in 2010, leading to an initial successful run in the UFC from 2013 to 2016. Following his first stint with the UFC, Horiguchi transitioned to Rizin FF, where he first encountered Kape. His submission victory over Kape in 2017 was a highlight during a dominant period that saw him capture championships in both Rizin and Bellator, solidifying his status as one of the world’s premier lighter-weight fighters.
Horiguchi’s return to the UFC last year has been met with continued success, as he has secured victories in both of his fights since rejoining the promotion. Remarkably, he has not suffered a loss in over four years, a testament to his consistent elite-level performance and enduring skill. Throughout his extensive career, Horiguchi has demonstrated a well-rounded and potent offensive arsenal, notching 15 wins by knockout, 15 by decision, and six by submission. This versatility, combined with his high-level grappling and precise striking, makes him a threat in all phases of a fight. His experience in championship bouts and proven ability to adapt against top-tier competition will be critical as he faces Kape again.
Expert Insights from SportsLine’s Kyle Marley
For bettors and enthusiasts seeking informed predictions, SportsLine’s accomplished MMA analyst Kyle Marley has meticulously studied the UFC Fight Night: Kape vs. Horiguchi card from every angle. Marley’s track record as an expert prognosticator is notable; over the past three-plus years, $100 bettors following his picks have collectively seen returns approaching $10,000. Since May 2018, his advice has generated well over $21,000 in profits for SportsLine members. His impressive achievements include accurately predicting five consecutive main-event underdog winners in 2020, following the UFC’s brief hiatus. Anyone who has consistently followed Marley’s UFC betting picks has witnessed substantial returns.
Marley has revealed his top betting picks and best bets for the entire card, offering a comprehensive analysis that goes beyond conventional wisdom. One of his early disclosed picks for UFC Fight Night: Kape vs. Horiguchi is backing Allan Nascimento (-162) to defeat Mitch Raposo in a preliminary card flyweight bout. Marley’s rationale for this selection is rooted in several factors. Nascimento enters the fight with significant momentum, having won his last four contests, while Raposo has experienced defeat in two of his previous three outings. Furthermore, Nascimento holds distinct physical advantages, standing three inches taller, possessing a five-inch reach advantage, and a 1.5-inch leg reach advantage over Raposo.
Elaborating on his pick, Marley stated, "I like Nascimento here. Raposo can be a decent wrestler, but Nascimento is much more skilled and dangerous on the mat. I also like Nascimento to have higher volume striking. Give me Nascimento by sub or decision." This detailed breakdown exemplifies the depth of Marley’s analysis, focusing on stylistic matchups and statistical edges.
Full Card Overview and Additional Betting Opportunities
Beyond the main event, the UFC Fight Night card features several other intriguing matchups with significant betting implications. In a light heavyweight clash, the undefeated Navajo Stirling (-325) is a substantial favorite against Ion Cutelaba (+260). Stirling’s pristine record makes him a fighter to watch as he continues his ascent in the division, while Cutelaba seeks to rebound from recent challenges.
The main card also includes a featherweight bout between Andre Fili (+235) and Vinicius Oliveira (-290), with Oliveira entering as the favorite. Another bantamweight encounter sees Hyder Amil (+170) taking on Christian Rodriguez (-205). Additionally, Melsik Baghdasaryan (+270) faces Murtazali Magomedov (-340) in a featherweight contest, where Magomedov is a strong favorite.
Marley’s full slate of predictions extends to these and other bouts on the card. He has indicated that he is also backing multiple underdogs on the main card, including one fighter who he believes "can win minutes on the feet" to secure a significant victory. These insights are exclusive to SportsLine, where detailed picks and comprehensive analysis from the expert are available.
The UFC Fight Night: Kape vs. Horiguchi event promises an evening of high-stakes mixed martial arts action, with a compelling main event rematch and a series of competitive bouts across various divisions. Bettors and fans alike will be closely watching the outcomes, particularly the expert predictions, as the flyweight division continues to unfold.
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