Kyoji Horiguchi said he intends to defeat Manel Kape at UFC Vegas 119 to position himself for a future title shot.
The outcome of the fight is critical for Horiguchi's standing in the flyweight division. A victory would allow him to make a definitive statement and move closer to the championship after nearly a decade of competition.
Speaking during media day on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 [1], Horiguchi said he is confident ahead of the clash at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The event, also billed as UFC Fight Night 279 [2], serves as a high-stakes rematch for both athletes.
"First I will beat Kape's a**," Horiguchi said [3].
The two fighters first met in 2017, and this upcoming bout marks a return to the cage against one another after nine years [4]. Horiguchi said he is not scared of Kape and is focused on the objective of the rematch.
"I vow to kick Manel Kape's ass to earn a title shot," Horiguchi said [5].
Kape is looking to avenge his own previous loss to Horiguchi from 2017 [6]. The rematch arrives at a pivotal moment for both fighters as they seek to climb the rankings in a competitive weight class.
Horiguchi's aggressive tone during the press conference signals his intent to dominate the fight. He said the win is a necessary step in his career trajectory toward the belt.
“"First I will beat Kape's a**"”
This rematch settles a long-standing rivalry dating back nine years, turning a personal grudge match into a strategic gateway for the UFC flyweight title. Because the fight occurs at the UFC Apex, the focus remains entirely on the performance and ranking implications rather than a stadium spectacle.
