UFC Vegas 119: Unpacking the Rematch between Manel Kape and Kyoji Horiguchi

The highly anticipated UFC Vegas 119 card is set to kick off on Saturday, June 20, 2026, marking a swiftly returning event following the massive UFC Freedom 250 spectacle just days prior. The captivating matchup to watch will be the highly anticipated rematch between flyweight hopefuls, Manel Kape, and the seasoned Kyoji Horiguchi, poised to bring the curtains down on their 12-fight Apex card.

Manel Kape, a former RIZIN champion, and his opponent, Kyoji Horiguchi, have shared a rich history in the MMA realm, first crossing paths in the semifinals of the 2017 RIZIN grand prix. Kape ultimately succumbed to Horiguchi's submission in the third round. As fate would have it, both athletes went on to claim RIZIN titles, ironically knocking out Kai Asakura, also an active UFC fighter.

Horiguchi's past has seen him vie for the UFC title in 2015, only to later be out of the promotion for nearly a decade before regaining his footing. The former champion has not lost momentum with two commanding performances since returning to the Octagon, putting the 38-year-old at the top of the current title contenders.

Kape has consistently found himself close to a UFC title shot, but an unfortunate loss to Muhammad Moakev in recent years halted his pursuit. This upcoming rematch marks an essential juncture in the flyweight division.

While this battle marks a well-deserved rematch, the line between the two fighters is surprisingly in tune, with Kyoji Horiguchi trading opening odds as close to -170 before adjusting due to market sentiment. At present, the odds seem fairly well-adjusted, with this expert slightly leaning toward the underdog position for the duration of the week following further review on the fighters' past performances.

The question now stands: will Kape finally break through to reach the title or will Horiguchi cement his position as top contender? Only Saturday's main event will deliver the answer to a highly anticipated clash that has captivated fans around the world.

A separate encounter to watch takes place between Andre Lima and Kevin Borjas, where both fighters are known for their resilience and adaptability within the octagon. Lima, renowned for having experienced the most 'luck' within his UFC history, is set for a challenging bout with Borjas.

The latter, Kevin Borjas, is considered by this writer a fighter with an unjust underdog record, consistently flashing upside in past UFC battles without successfully converting it to wins. This encounter seems poised to be one of the most captivating bouts on the evening, as both fighters are known for pushing limits in the fight.

Karol Rosa and Luana Santos will meet in another thrilling matchup, where the former appears in her twelfth consecutive UFC fight without experiencing an inside-the-distance win, while Santos has demonstrated six UFC battles, achieving five victories, all but one via finishes. With a significant upside for Santos in both finishing and aggressive grappling, this underdog is highly recommended at present odds. Without hesitation, if looking for the potential for an upset, Luana would currently be the ideal place to put one's chips down at her present odds.

UFC Vegas 119 has undoubtedly become an event not to miss, with an array of captivating bouts and rematches, including Kape vs. Horiguchi, set to captivate fans worldwide as the 2026 flyweight season heats up. Be sure to tune in on Saturday, June 20 to witness the intense action that awaits the world of MMA.