Manel Kape Throws First Pitch at Athletics’ Las Vegas Residency

Kape promotes UFC Vegas 119 at Athletics game.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jun 171 min read

MMA

Via @UFC on X

What happened: UFC flyweight contender Manel Kape visited Las Vegas Ballpark to throw the ceremonial first pitch for the Athletics last week. The appearance was part of a promotional tour ahead of Kape's high-stakes main event matchup this Saturday.

Why it matters: The event highlights the growing synergy between the UFC and the Athletics' future Las Vegas home. The Athletics' six-game Las Vegas residency in Summerlin serves as a preview for the franchise's 2028 relocation. Kape looks to avenge a 2017 loss to Kyoji Horiguchi and secure a title shot.

By the numbers: Manel Kape (19-6) faces Kyoji Horiguchi (36-5) in the UFC Vegas 119 main event. Horiguchi won their first meeting in 2017 via third-round submission. Both fighters are currently ranked in the top 5 of the flyweight division.

What to watch: Kape and Horiguchi headline UFC Vegas 119 this Saturday, June 20, at the Meta Apex.

Sources

@UFC Jun 16, 8:12 PM ET

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Manel Kape Throws First Pitch at Athletics’ Las Vegas Residency

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