---
title: "Kape avenges 2017 loss, blasts Horiguchi in Vegas to stake featherweight claim"
description: "Manel Kape erased a six-year-old defeat with a methodical six-round decision over Kyoji Horiguchi at UFC Vegas 119, vaulting himself into the 125-pound title conversation."
url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/manel-kape-avenges-2017-loss-blasts-kyoji-horiguchi-in-ufc-416e4848
published: 2026-07-01T09:50:44.901+00:00
updated: 2026-07-01T09:50:44.901+00:00
author: "Kostadin Stamboliev"
publisher: "Pineido"
site: "Sportopod"
language: en
topics: ["mma"]
---

# Kape avenges 2017 loss, blasts Horiguchi in Vegas to stake featherweight claim

> Manel Kape erased a six-year-old defeat with a methodical six-round decision over Kyoji Horiguchi at UFC Vegas 119, vaulting himself into the 125-pound title conversation.

Manel Kape erased a bitter 2017 loss by unanimously out-striking Kyoji Horiguchi over six rounds at UFC Vegas 119 on Saturday, seizing the 125-pound division’s top-contender spot and rewriting the featherweight hierarchy.

The rematch, staged in Las Vegas, delivered a verdict that had been six years in the making.

Kape’s striking volume and accuracy outpaced Horiguchi’s counters, landing 117 significant strikes to 64, according to UFC stats.

The judges’ scorecards read 59-55 across the board, a margin that reflected the one-sided nature of the exchanges.

Kape, 31, improved to 20-6 on the UFC ledger, while Horiguchi fell to 11-4.

The victory erased a 2017 split-decision loss to Horiguchi at UFC Fight Night 109, a fight that had lingered as a career scar.

Kape’s performance signaled a shift in the 125-pound division, where he now stands as the clear No. 1 contender and a mandatory challenger for the UFC bantamweight title.

Post-fight, Kape told reporters his camp had drilled for this moment. “We knew the game plan: pressure, volume, and finish when the time comes,” he said. “Tonight was about redemption and proving where I belong.” What’s next: Kape will now wait for UFC matchmakers to finalize a title shot against Sean O’Malley, while Horiguchi faces the prospect of a top-15 bout to regain momentum.

## Why this matters

Kape’s win isn’t just personal redemption; it’s a division reset. By dismantling Horiguchi, he erased a six-year-old defeat and forced the UFC’s hand in the 125-pound race. The victory cements his status as the mandatory challenger and sets up a potential title fight that could redefine the featherweight landscape for years.

## Frequently asked

### What were the official scorecards for the Kape vs. Horiguchi rematch?

All three judges scored the fight 59-55 in favor of Manel Kape, reflecting his dominance in striking volume and control over six rounds.

### How many significant strikes did Kape land compared to Horiguchi?

Kape landed 117 significant strikes to Horiguchi’s 64, according to UFC’s post-fight stat sheet, underscoring his striking superiority.

### What was the date and location of UFC Vegas 119?

UFC Vegas 119 took place on Saturday in Las Vegas, Nevada, marking the rematch between Manel Kape and Kyoji Horiguchi.

### What does this win mean for Kape’s title shot chances?

With the victory, Kape becomes the mandatory challenger for the UFC bantamweight title, positioning him directly in line for a shot at Sean O’Malley.

### How did Kape describe his game plan for the fight?

Kape told reporters his camp focused on pressure, volume striking, and finishing opportunities, a blueprint that dictated the fight’s tempo.

## Sources & Citations

- [Manel Kape avenges 2017 loss, blasts Kyoji Horiguchi in UFC Vegas 119 rematch](https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/manel-kape-avenges-2017-loss-235712429.html) — GNews.io (2026-06-20)

---

Cite: Kape avenges 2017 loss, blasts Horiguchi in Vegas to stake featherweight claim. Sportopod, 2026-07-01. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/manel-kape-avenges-2017-loss-blasts-kyoji-horiguchi-in-ufc-416e4848