Manel Kape Shocks the MMA World with TKO Victory over Kyoji Horiguchi at UFC Fight Night 279

Manel Kape Shocks With Stunning TKO Over Kyoji Horiguchi at UFC Fight Night 279

In an electrifying Main Event at UFC Fight Night 279 held in Las Vegas, Manel Kape stunned the mixed martial arts world by defeating Kyoji Horiguchi with a TKO in the third round. Representing Monster Energy, Kape, a 32-year-old warrior from Luanda, Angola, showcased impeccable resilience and striking ability that earned him a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus.

This thrilling bout took place at the Meta APEX facility in front of a passionate audience. It was one of five bouts on the Main Card and followed up with seven Prelims, streamed live on Paramount+. Kape, known as "Starboy," stepped into the Octagon with a three-fight win streak, with each victory coming by way of stoppage. His previous match saw him take down Brandon Royval at a UFC Fight Night held in December 2025.

Kyoji Horiguchi, a seasoned competitor hailing from Japan with an impressive record of 36 wins and 6 losses, came into this fight eager to avenge their previous encounter in RIZIN, where Horiguchi had emerged victorious through submission in 2017. Notably, Horiguchi had won a decision fight against Amir Albazi just months earlier, making him a formidable rival for Kape.

As the fight started, both athletes demonstrated caution, strategically gauging each other's strengths. Horiguchi landed quick kicks, while Kape focused on his renowned counterstriking while controlling the center of the Octagon. Though Kape found himself taken down towards the end of the first round, his defense held strong until the bell.

The second round saw Horiguchi establish his dominance, delivering powerful strikes and securing another takedown. Kape endured serious damage during this round, struggling against the relentless efforts of his opponent.

Entering the third round, Kape needed to change the momentum. After a series of wild strikes, an opportunity finally presented itself; Kape executed a precise right counterstrike that wobbled Horiguchi. Seizing the moment, Kape swiftly brought Horiguchi to the canvas, unleashing a barrage of punches to both the head and body. The referee, Herb Dean, stepped in to halt the fight at 2:42 of Round 3.

With this unexpected victory, Kape not only elevated his record to 24 wins and 7 losses but also positioned himself as a potential contender for the UFC Flyweight Championship. After the match, Kape confidently declared, "I knew he was going to touch me at some point. Because I felt his hand before. But if I touch you one time, believe me, you're gonna be dead."

Kape's success aligns with his commitment as a Monster Energy athlete, a brand known for supporting extreme sports and athletes who live authentically and passionately. As he rides a four-fight win streak, all ending in stoppage, Kape is now seeking to take on his next challenge. The MMA community eagerly awaits what is next for this dynamic fighter.

For more on Monster Energy's MMA stars, visit Monster Energy's website. Stay tuned for Kape's future battles as he continues his rise in the competitive world of mixed martial arts.