Manel Kape and Kyoji Horiguchi will officially headline UFC Vegas 119 on June 20. The announcement confirms the previously rumored matchup between the two flyweight contenders. The post includes a poll asking followers to pick their favorite, with options for Kape as the favorite or Horiguchi to win. No additional details about title implications or rankings context were provided in the announcement.
Manel Kape and Kyoji Horiguchi are set to meet at the top of the card at UFC Vegas 119 on June 20, with the flyweight matchup now officially confirmed.
Kape, ranked sixth in the flyweight division, brings a record of 23-7-0 into the headliner. The 32-year-old southpaw from Angola trains out of Xtreme Couture and has established himself as one of the more dangerous strikers in the 125-pound weight class. He lands 4.68 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 55 percent, numbers that place him among the division's most productive offensive fighters. Standing five-foot-five with a 68-inch reach, he carries a meaningful size advantage into this contest.
Horiguchi enters with a career record of 36-6-0, a ledger that speaks to his longevity and consistency at the elite level. The 35-year-old Japanese fighter, now based out of American Top Team, is a well-rounded threat who blends striking with a steady takedown game, averaging 1.67 takedowns per 15 minutes. He lands 3.64 significant strikes per minute at 47 percent accuracy and stands five-foot-four with a 63-inch reach.
Why it matters
- Kape's ranking of sixth in the flyweight division means a strong performance could push him toward a title conversation
- Horiguchi's extensive experience and 36 career wins make him one of the most credentialed opponents Kape has faced
- The stylistic contrast is sharp — Kape's high-volume southpaw striking against Horiguchi's more measured approach and active wrestling
- A main event slot gives both fighters a platform to make a significant statement in a division that remains competitive at the top
