Kape Calls First Horiguchi Loss 'a Ferrari in the Wrong Garage' Ahead of Rematch

Kape reframes his 2017 loss before the rematch.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jun 191 min read

MMA

Manel Kape: 'I was a Ferrari in the wrong garage' in first Kyoji Horiguchi fight #UFCVegas119 https://t.co/u2CTYEyipo

What happened: Manel Kape described his first meeting with Kyoji Horiguchi as being "a Ferrari in the wrong garage," suggesting the result didn't reflect his true level. The two rematch in the UFC Vegas 119 main event on June 20. Horiguchi won the original bout by submission in 2017.

Why it matters: Kape has said he is less focused on avenging the loss than on what the win unlocks: a path to the flyweight title. A statement victory over a respected former champion would strengthen his case for a title shot in a thin division.

By the numbers: Head-to-head: Horiguchi def. Kape by submission (2017), their only prior meeting.

What to watch: The rematch headlines UFC Vegas 119 on Saturday, June 20, with title-contention stakes for Kape.

Sources

@MMAjunkie Jun 19, 12:16 AM ET

CONVERSATION

Loading comments…

MMAPreviewManel KapeKyoji Horiguchi

Follow MMA Intelligence

Real-time signals and analysis

@WireReportMMA

WR Pro

The day's sports, briefed to your inbox at 7am ET. Every claim sourced.

$9/month Free weekly newsletter →

Kape Calls First Horiguchi Loss 'a Ferrari in the Wrong Garage' Ahead of Rematch

More on Manel Kape

Sources

More on Manel Kape