Kape rejects title-shot wait to rematch Horiguchi at UFC Vegas 119

Manel Kape chose activity over opportunity, passing on a potential UFC flyweight title shot to headline UFC Vegas 119 against Kyoji Horiguchi on Saturday — a rematch of a 2017 RIZIN bout that Horiguchi won by third-round submission.

The decision came after a Joshua Van injury pushed the champion’s scheduled defence against Tatsuro Taira from April to May, leaving Kape — who had built a three-fight knockout streak — effectively sidelined as the odd man out in the title picture. Rather than wait until late 2026 to fight the winner, Kape told the UFC to find him another opponent.

“They gave me the option to wait for the title but I don’t want to wait,” Kape told MMA Fighting. “I’m on good timing, good rhythm. To wait until the end of the year to fight for the title, that’s not the type of fighter I am. I want to keep rolling. I want to keep making money.”

Kape said UFC officials were candid with him about the situation, even offering an apology given how close he had come to a title booking. He credited the promotion for its honesty but made clear that sitting out as a backup was never a realistic option for him.

“They were very honest with me,” he said. “They apologized, because they promised the fight to Tatsuro. They said we know you have all the reasons to be mad and you’re the guy that’s supposed to be fighting for the title. But it’s not my style to wait for something — getting heavy and everything, or even be a backup for the title fight. No, I want to have a real fight. That’s what I chose.”

Kape also framed the rematch as consistent with his broader philosophy on what it means to be a champion-in-waiting. “As a guy that thinks he’s the champion, you have to fight everyone,” he said. “You’re going to fight him sooner or later. So why not do it early?”

On the Horiguchi rematch itself, Kape acknowledged he was underprepared when the two first met eight years ago. Horiguchi was at the peak of his powers then, and Kape — still a young fighter newly arrived from Africa — paid the price. He believes the dynamic has shifted. “At the time I fought him, he was a killer,” Kape said. “I think he slowed down a little bit.” He was careful to add that Horiguchi remains a quality opponent, but the confidence in his own development is clear.

The flyweight title picture will sort itself out in due course. For now, Kape is focused on settling old business.