Manel Kape defeated Kyoji Horiguchi by third-round TKO in the main event of UFC Fight Night 279 [1].

The victory is significant as it avenges a loss Kape suffered to Horiguchi nearly a decade ago [4]. By securing a stoppage win, Kape strengthens his position as a contender for a future title shot in his weight class [2].

The bout took place Saturday night at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada [1]. Also referred to as the Meta Apex, the venue hosted the event designated as UFC Vegas 119 [3].

Kape dominated the closing stages of the fight, leading to the stoppage in the third round [3]. The result marks a definitive comeback for Kape, who sought to erase the memory of their previous encounter from years prior [2].

Following the victory, Kape said to UFC CEO Dana White that the win impacted his professional trajectory. He said the stoppage win had altered his international plans [4].

The victory provides Kape with critical momentum. By defeating a high-level opponent like Horiguchi, he has moved closer to the top of the rankings [2].

“Manel Kape defeated Kyoji Horiguchi by third-round TKO”

This result shifts the dynamic of the division by removing a long-standing psychological hurdle for Kape. By securing a finish against a veteran like Horiguchi, Kape proves he can maintain pressure over multiple rounds, making him a viable candidate for a title eliminator bout.