Kape scored a dramatic third-round knockout victory over Horiguchi in their flyweight clash at UFC Vegas 119 on Saturday night at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The comeback finish capped one of the most memorable fights on the card.
Horiguchi Dictates the Early Action
The opening round featured a cautious start as both fighters searched for openings. Horiguchi found success with powerful kicks to the body, while Kape targeted the lead leg with inside low kicks.
As the pace increased, Horiguchi connected with several clean strikes and mixed in takedown attempts. Although his first shots were defended, he secured a double-leg takedown late in the round to strengthen his case on the scorecards.
The former RIZIN champion built on that momentum in the second frame. A heavy body kick and sharp left hook briefly stunned Kape before another takedown allowed Horiguchi to settle into top position.
From there, he controlled the action with steady ground-and-pound, mixing short punches and elbows while limiting Kape’s opportunities to respond.
One Counter Changes Everything
Trailing on the scorecards, Kape opened the third round with a much more aggressive approach. He pushed forward behind combinations, looking to force exchanges.
Horiguchi initially handled the pressure well. He landed another powerful counter and continued to find success with his defensive reads.
Moments later, however, the fight took a sudden turn.
Kape timed a counter right hook perfectly, catching Horiguchi clean and sending him crashing to the canvas. Sensing the finish, “Starboy” immediately followed him to the ground.
With Horiguchi turtled up, Kape unleashed a crushing punch from an unusual angle that landed flush on the jaw. The impact drove Horiguchi face-first into the canvas, prompting the referee to stop the contest.
Kape Steals Victory in Dramatic Fashion
The result was a painful reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in mixed martial arts.
Horiguchi spent much of the fight showcasing his striking variety, takedowns, and cage control. Yet one opening was all Kape needed to erase two rounds of strong work and secure a highlight-reel finish.