[PREVIEW] Kyoji Horiguchi vs. Manel Kape | UFC Fight Night
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EVENT DETAILS
- Date: June 21, 2026 (Sunday, JST)
- Location: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, NV
- Event: UFC Fight Night
- Broadcast: U-NEXT (Japan) / ESPN+ (US)
FIGHTER DATA: KYOJI HORIGUCHI
- Team/Gym: American Top Team (ATT)
- Weight Class: Flyweight (125 lbs)
- Fight Style: Traditional Karate Base & Elite MMA. The undisputed pioneer of modern Japanese MMA. Renowned for his explosive blitzes, elusive in-and-out footwork, and world-class fight IQ. Returning to the UFC to prove he remains one of the absolute best flyweights on the planet.
FIGHTER DATA: MANEL KAPE
- Team/Gym: Xtreme Couture
- Weight Class: Flyweight (125 lbs)
- Fight Style: "Starboy". A wildly dynamic and ferocious striker boasting one-punch knockout power. He thrives in chaos, utilizing athletic movement, unpredictable angles, and pure aggression to overwhelm his opponents.
FIGHT BACKGROUND & HIGHLIGHTS
A legendary RIZIN rivalry reignited on the world’s biggest stage. Years after their initial encounter in Japan, both Kyoji Horiguchi and Manel Kape have evolved into elite UFC contenders. Horiguchi brings the discipline and precision of a seasoned veteran, while Kape brings the chaotic, explosive energy that has made him a fan favorite in the Octagon.
For Horiguchi, this is about cementing his legacy and conquering the UFC's deep flyweight division. For Kape, it is a chance to avenge the past and claim a monumental victory over one of Japan's greatest fighters. The stakes could not be higher.
The Breakdown
- The Context: The Ultimate Reunion. Two fighters who helped shape the modern era of Japanese MMA now bring their history and bad blood into the UFC Octagon.
- The Matchup: Precision vs. Chaos. Horiguchi’s lightning-fast, disciplined Karate blitz against Kape’s explosive, unorthodox power-striking. Will Horiguchi’s elite distance management control the fight, or will Kape’s raw athleticism and pressure break through the defense?