Kyoji Horiguchi is not hiding from the result at UFC Fight Night 279. The former flyweight title challenger is taking his first UFC setback since returning to the promotion in stride after a third-round TKO loss to Manel Kape in Las Vegas.
The defeat snapped his momentum in the division and slowed his push toward another title opportunity. Still, the Japanese veteran is already shifting his attention forward rather than dwelling on what went wrong.
First UFC Defeat Since 2015
Horiguchi entered the bout with history on his side, having beaten Kape in their first meeting under Rizin FF back in 2017. This time, the outcome flipped, as Kape found the finish in the third round inside the UFC APEX.
It marked Horiguchi’s first UFC loss since his title defeat to Demetrious Johnson in 2015. The setback landed differently, but the veteran kept his tone calm while addressing it afterward in his Youtube channel.
“Well, I feel a bit down, but I guess I just accept that I lost.”
“But what do you say? I guess it’s time for the next one. … I’ll be making a comeback, so please keep an eye out.”
No Excuses
Horiguchi also addressed the finish directly on social media, acknowledging the manner of the defeat without hesitation or deflection.
“I got spectacularly knocked out,”
“I’m truly sorry.”
The loss stings more considering what was on the line. A win would have strengthened his position in the flyweight title picture.
Instead, Kape walks away with the momentum, while Horiguchi resets for another run in a division he once helped define.