Nearly nine years after submitting Manel Kape in RIZIN, former champion Kyoji Horiguchi returns to face a vastly improved UFC contender in a high-stakes flyweight main event on June 20.
The UFC flyweight division will revisit one of the most intriguing rivalries in modern MMA when Kyoji Horiguchi faces Manel Kape in the main event of UFC Fight Night: Kape vs. Horiguchi 2 on June 20, 2026.
Taking place at the APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, the five-round flyweight showdown serves as both a rematch and a measuring stick for two fighters whose careers have taken dramatically different paths since their first meeting nearly a decade ago.
While Kape enters the contest as the UFC’s No. 2-ranked flyweight and the betting favorite, Horiguchi arrives with something equally valuable: a previous victory over his Portuguese rival.
Kyoji Horiguchi Defeated Manel Kape in Their First Meeting
The first chapter of this rivalry took place on December 31, 2017, under the RIZIN banner in Japan.
At the time, Horiguchi was already regarded as one of the world’s elite lighter-weight fighters. Kape, meanwhile, was a dangerous prospect still working his way toward international recognition.
The fight proved highly competitive before Horiguchi ultimately secured a third-round submission victory via head-and-arm choke at 4:25 of Round 3.
That win reinforced Horiguchi’s status as one of Asia’s premier mixed martial artists and added another notable name to his résumé.
Fast forward to 2026, however, and both fighters have evolved considerably.
Kyoji Horiguchi’s UFC Return Continues
After spending years competing at the highest levels of Japanese MMA, Horiguchi made a successful return to the UFC and immediately reminded fans why he remains one of the most respected flyweights in the sport.
His most recent performance came on February 7, 2026, when he defeated Amir Albazi via unanimous decision in a technical and disciplined showing.
The victory demonstrated that Horiguchi, now one of the most experienced fighters in the division, remains capable of competing with MMA’s elite.
Known for his speed, footwork, wrestling, and fight IQ, Horiguchi has built a career around neutralizing dangerous opponents while consistently finding ways to win.
A victory over Kape would place him firmly back into title contention and further strengthen his legacy as one of the greatest fighters ever produced by Japan.
Manel Kape Has Become a Different Fighter
While Horiguchi won the first encounter, few observers expect the rematch to resemble the original fight.
Since arriving in the UFC, Manel Kape has transformed himself into one of the most dangerous flyweights in the world.
The former RIZIN champion has steadily climbed the rankings through explosive striking performances, improved takedown defense, and increased composure against elite competition.
Now ranked No. 2 in the flyweight division, Kape enters the fight carrying significant momentum and appears closer than ever to a title opportunity.
His aggressive style, knockout power, and confidence have made him one of the most entertaining fighters in the weight class.
The betting markets reflect that evolution, with Kape opening as a moderate favorite despite losing the first matchup.
What’s at Stake?
The stakes could not be higher.
For Manel Kape, a victory would erase one of the most significant losses on his record while likely securing his position as the next challenger in the flyweight title picture.
For Kyoji Horiguchi, a win would be another remarkable achievement in a career already filled with championship success across multiple organizations.
More importantly, it would prove that even after years away from the UFC, he remains capable of defeating the division’s best fighters.
The matchup also carries historical significance.
Few fighters have successfully returned to the UFC after achieving legendary status elsewhere and immediately reentered title contention. Horiguchi has an opportunity to accomplish exactly that.
Keys to Victory
Kyoji Horiguchi
- Utilize movement and angles to avoid extended striking exchanges
- Mix wrestling threats with counter-striking opportunities
- Force Kape into deeper rounds where experience becomes a factor
- Maintain the disciplined approach that defeated Amir Albazi
Manel Kape
- Control the center of the cage
- Capitalize on speed advantages in striking exchanges
- Defend takedowns and force Horiguchi into stand-up battles
- Apply pressure early and prevent Horiguchi from establishing rhythm
UFC Fight Night Main Card
Main Event – Flyweight
#2 Manel Kape vs. #5 Kyoji Horiguchi
Light Heavyweight
Ion Cutelaba vs. Navajo Stirling
Featherweight
#12 Vinicius Oliveira vs. Andre Fili
Featherweight
Hyder Amil vs. Christian Rodriguez
Featherweight
Melsik Baghdasaryan vs. Murtazali Magomedov
HanPunch Prediction
This fight feels very different from the one that took place in 2017.
Kape is no longer the inexperienced prospect Horiguchi submitted in RIZIN. He has developed into one of the UFC’s most dangerous flyweights and appears to be entering his athletic prime.
However, Horiguchi’s experience, composure, and championship pedigree cannot be overlooked.
Expect a highly competitive fight early, with Kape finding success through speed and striking volume while Horiguchi attempts to mix in wrestling and tactical adjustments.
Ultimately, Kape’s improvements over the past nine years may be enough to flip the result.
Prediction: Manel Kape defeats Kyoji Horiguchi via Unanimous Decision.
How to Watch UFC Fight Night: Kape vs. Horiguchi 2
Event: UFC Fight Night: Kape vs. Horiguchi 2
Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026
Location: UFC APEX, Las Vegas, Nevada
Main Card Start Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Paramount +
Regardless of the outcome, the rematch between Kyoji Horiguchi and Manel Kape represents one of the most compelling flyweight matchups of 2026 and a rare opportunity to revisit a rivalry nearly a decade in the making.
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