Ali Akbar Rosady
Manel Kape, a prominent contender in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) flyweight division, has elected to forgo an immediate title shot opportunity, instead choosing to remain active by headlining UFC Vegas 119 against former RIZIN and Bellator champion Kyoji Horiguchi. Kape articulated his decision as a preference for continuous competition and financial activity over an anticipated lengthy period of inactivity while awaiting the outcome of the impending flyweight championship bout.
The decision stems from the UFC’s commitment to awarding Tatsuro Taira the next shot at the reigning flyweight champion, Joshua Van. Following a formidable three-fight winning streak, all secured via knockout, Kape had positioned himself as a strong candidate for the next title challenge. However, a minor injury sustained by champion Van led to a postponement of his title defense against Taira, shifting it from April to May. This adjustment effectively left Kape without an immediate championship opportunity, prompting the promotion to present him with two alternatives: either wait for the winner of the Van-Taira bout, a scenario that could sideline him for a significant portion of the current year, or accept an alternative opponent to maintain his fight schedule.
Kape, known for his aggressive fighting style and outspoken demeanor, swiftly chose the latter. "They gave me the option to wait for the title, but I don’t want to wait," Kape informed MMA Fighting. "I’m on good timing, good rhythm. To wait until the end of the year to fight for the title, that’s not the type of fighter I am. I want to keep rolling, I want to keep making money." This perspective underscores Kape’s philosophy regarding sustained momentum and the professional obligations of a top-tier athlete.
His rationale extends beyond mere activity. Kape expressed a "champion’s mindset," stating, "I believe as a champion, as a guy that thinks he’s the champion, you have to fight everyone. You’re going to fight him sooner or later, whatever it is, you’re going to have to fight everyone if you are a champion. So why not do early? So that’s what I did." This statement suggests a belief in earning his eventual title shot through consistent challenges rather than strategic waiting.
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UFC officials reportedly conveyed apologies to Kape for the unexpected delay in his championship aspirations, acknowledging his compelling claim to a title opportunity given his recent dominant performances. "They were very honest with me," Kape recounted. "[They] apologized, because [they] promised the fight to Tatsuro. [They said] we know you have all the reasons to be mad and you’re the guy that’s supposed to be fighting for the title. But on the other hand, the compensation is very good and they gave me the option to wait. But it’s not my style." Kape reiterated his aversion to waiting, rejecting the notion of becoming a backup fighter or enduring a period of physical and mental stagnation. "It’s not my style to wait for something, getting heavy and everything or even be a backup for [the title fight]. No, I want to have a fight. I want to have a real fight. That’s what I chose."
The decision paved the way for a highly anticipated rematch against Kyoji Horiguchi in the main event of UFC Vegas 119. This bout marks the second encounter between Kape and Horiguchi, their initial clash occurring in RIZIN in December 2017 at RIZIN 8. In that first contest, Horiguchi secured a third-round submission victory via arm-triangle choke, a defining moment in both fighters’ careers at the time.
Looking back at the 2017 bout, Kape offered candid insights into his preparation and circumstances. He acknowledged being "ill-prepared" for an opponent of Horiguchi’s caliber, particularly given his own unique background leading into that fight. "At the time I fought him, he was a killer," Kape said. "I think he slowed down a little bit. Of course, at that time that I fought him, not taking any credit [away], he was an incredible fighter and he’s still a good fighter." Kape detailed his unconventional path, explaining he had spent two years living in Angola, training primarily with his cousin, who was not a professional athlete but had wrestling experience from his university days in England. "When he came back from graduation, we were training. He was the only person that I had. It was just me and him, all the time, no resources. Just pure training." This account illustrates the rudimentary conditions under which Kape prepared for a high-stakes international fight. "If people see where I came from and how I was training, people would say you are crazy," he added, noting that he accepted the RIZIN offer primarily as an opportunity to return to active competition after a hiatus, without fully grasping the formidable reputation of Kyoji Horiguchi.
Kyoji Horiguchi (32-5-0, 1 NC), a veteran of the sport, boasts an extensive and decorated career. Prior to his return to the UFC, Horiguchi achieved significant success in RIZIN Fighting Federation, where he became a two-division champion (bantamweight and flyweight), and also held the Bellator Bantamweight World Championship. His first stint in the UFC saw him compile a 7-1 record, culminating in a title shot against then-champion Demetrious Johnson. Horiguchi’s blend of karate striking, wrestling, and submission grappling has consistently placed him among the elite in multiple weight classes. His re-signing with the UFC earlier this year immediately sparked speculation about potential rematches, with Kape confirming he anticipated their paths crossing again.
Following their initial RIZIN encounter, Kape revealed that Horiguchi’s long-time head coach, Mike Brown of American Top Team (ATT), extended an invitation for Kape to train at their renowned facility in Florida. However, Kape declined the offer, driven by a conviction that a rematch was inevitable. "I was thinking one day I’m going to fight this guy again," Kape stated. "I’m going to train at another place because I know I can beat him. If I had the same structure that he had, I can beat him. Where we’re at now, it’s funny." American Top Team, based in Coconut Creek, Florida, is widely regarded as one of the premier mixed martial arts gyms globally, housing numerous current and former UFC champions and contenders.
Manel Kape (19-6-0), with a professional record marked by 12 knockouts and 4 submissions, has established himself as a dynamic and powerful striker within the flyweight division. His recent three-fight knockout streak, including stoppages over Ode Osbourne, David Dvořák, and Matheus Nicolau, showcased his refined skill set and increased tactical maturity since his early career. Kape asserts that this rematch is not driven by a desire for revenge, emphasizing his personal and professional evolution since 2017. He views himself as a fundamentally different fighter, having grown significantly in experience and structure.
A victory over Horiguchi in the UFC Vegas 119 main event is crucial for Kape to maintain his momentum and solidify his position as a top contender for the UFC flyweight title. Kape remains confident that his patience and willingness to compete will ultimately be rewarded with a championship opportunity. He indicated that the UFC’s commitment to Tatsuro Taira (16-0-0), an undefeated prospect with a strong record including 8 knockouts and 5 submissions, serves as a precedent for the promotion honoring its word. "They didn’t give me the title shot because they promised Tatsuro Taira," Kape explained. "The same way, if they promise they’d give me the fight at the end of the year, it is what it is. I could sit here very comfortable and tell everyone I’m fighting for the title and just wait. What’s your guarantee? They give me their word. If they gave their word to Tatsuro Taira, I can play the same negotiation."
Kape acknowledged the strategic advantage of waiting, but reiterated his personal preference for active competition. "Of course, if they promised, they’ll keep their word. That’s the strategy I could use against them but it’s not my type. End of the year is a long time. It’s not about financial — I’m very comfortable. But it’s just about the love of competition. The challenge and the timing. I don’t want to waste more time. I had a lot of cancellations. That’s the one thing about fighting and I love to do it and I want to keep showing why I am this guy." This statement encapsulates Kape’s dedication to the sport, prioritizing the inherent challenge and continuous engagement over a potentially prolonged period of inactivity, even with the promise of a future title shot. The flyweight division, currently headed by Joshua Van (15-1-0), is highly competitive, and Kape’s decision to face Horiguchi underscores his belief in his ability to navigate the contender landscape through consistent performance.
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