The rise of Manel Kape in the UFC Octagon is inevitable. The Angolan will once again face Kyoji Horiguchi in the main event of UFC Vegas 119. The fight was confirmed by Mike Bohn and Danny Segura of MMA Junkie this Tuesday morning.
The first bout between the two was at Rizin FF in the bantamweight tournament semifinals in 2017, with the Japanese fighter submitting him in the third round. Years later, they meet again with both men in their prime.
Kape has won seven of his last eight fights during his run in the Octagon. In his last fight, he knocked out Brandon Royval in the main event of UFC Vegas 112. Now, he will have the chance to avenge his loss in the Rizin FF ring.
Horiguchi returned to the UFC after his stints in Rizin and Bellator between 2017 and 2024. After making his return last year, he has won both of his bouts. Kyoji is coming off a win over Amir Albazi in the main event of UFC Vegas 113 a few weeks ago.
UFC Vegas 119 will take place on June 20th at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
