Manel Kape closed the book on a long-running rivalry at UFC Fight Night 279, knocking out Kyoji Horiguchi in the main event at the Meta APEX to avenge their 2017 meeting.
Kape finished Horiguchi by KO in the third round, improving his professional record to 23-7 in MMA and 8-3 in the UFC. Horiguchi now sits at 36-6 in MMA and 9-2 in the UFC.
Reflecting on the performance and his recent run, Kape said, "It was enough," and added, "Even last time when I fought Brandon Royval, it was enough. Everything I do in the cage was enough because I win spectacular – I finish the guys. But let them fight. I need to take some time off, take care of business, chill out with family and see my friends. I just want to rest a little bit."
Kape also pointed to how much has changed since his first fight with Horiguchi. "When I was young, I was wild," he said. "I was fearless. I was very wild. This time, I had to slow down and go for smart. Time gives you wisdom, always. Time gives you wisdom. That time (against Horiguchi), I was too young."
The victory extends Kape’s surge in the promotion, as he is now on a four-fight winning streak and 8-1 in his past nine bouts.
