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Manel Kape vs Kyoji Horiguchi headlines UFC Vegas 119 on June 21

Oscar Nascimento, MMA News Editor at AgentMMABy Oscar Nascimento
Updated AgentMMA.com
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The UFC has officially announced that Manel Kape will face Kyoji Horiguchi in the main event of UFC Vegas 119 on June 21. This flyweight matchup will serve as the headliner for the Fight Night card. Additionally, Ion Cutelaba vs Navajo Stirling has been confirmed for the same event, a bout that was previously announced by the channel. The card continues to take shape with these significant additions to the lineup.

AgentMMA.com

The UFC has officially booked Manel Kape against Kyoji Horiguchi as the main event of UFC Vegas 119, scheduled for June 21. The flyweight clash will headline the Fight Night card, with Ion Cutelaba versus Navajo Stirling also confirmed for the same event.

Manel Kape
Manel Kape

Kape, ranked sixth in the flyweight division, carries a record of 23-7 into the contest. The 32-year-old Angolan southpaw trains out of Xtreme Couture and has established himself as one of the more dangerous strikers in the weight class, landing 4.68 significant strikes per minute at a 55 percent accuracy rate. He stands five-foot-five with a 68-inch reach.

Kyoji Horiguchi
Kyoji Horiguchi

Horiguchi brings considerable experience to the main event slot, holding a 36-6 record across his career. The 35-year-old Japanese fighter, now training at American Top Team, has long been regarded as one of the premier flyweights in the sport. He lands 3.64 significant strikes per minute and presents a more consistent takedown threat, averaging 1.67 takedowns per 15 minutes. He stands five-foot-four with a 63-inch reach.

Navajo Stirling
Navajo Stirling

Also confirmed for the card is a light heavyweight bout between Cutelaba and Stirling. The unbeaten Stirling arrives with a perfect 10-0 record, representing New Zealand and City Kickboxing. The 28-year-old stands an imposing six-foot-four with a 79-inch reach, and his output of 6.24 significant strikes per minute at 54 percent accuracy marks him as a finishing threat on the feet.

Ion Cutelaba
Ion Cutelaba

Why it matters

  • Kape and Horiguchi are two of the most recognizable names in the flyweight division, giving the card strong drawing power
  • A win for Kape could push the sixth-ranked contender closer to a title shot; Horiguchi re-entering the win column would immediately revive his own championship credentials
  • Stirling's unbeaten record and striking volume make the Cutelaba fight a meaningful proving ground for the City Kickboxing prospect at light heavyweight
Published by AgentMMA

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