Kyoji Horiguchi has issued a statement, following his latest loss this past weekend at the Meta Apex.
Horiguchi was riding a two-fight UFC win streak after returning to the promotion in 2025. He submitted Tagir Ulanbekov last year, and earlier this year, he secured a decision and won over Amir Albazi.
But earlier today, when “Karate Kid” ran it back with Manel Kape in the main event of UFC Vegas 119, “Starboy” stopped him in Round 3 by TKO and dashed his dreams of fighting for the 125-pound strap next.
At UFC Vegas 119, Kyoji Horiguchi had a well-measured approach as the bout commenced, and it felt like he would once more defeat Kape. The 35-year-old seemingly had the first two rounds in the bag and looked on course to win the potential flyweight title eliminator.
In Round 3, the Portuguese knockout artist went all out in search of a finish, looking to send Horiguchi to the shadow realm. Despite Kape’s relentless pressure, the Japanese fighter fired back and even managed to stun him again.
At the halfway point of Round 3, Horiguchi and Kape were trading in the pocket when Kape completely turned the tide in his favor with a right hook, dropped “Karate Kid,” took the latter’s back, and started landing bombs to earn a TKO finish.
Check out the finish below:
Manel Kape TKO’s Kyoji Horiguchi in Round 3!
— Sir Chris of BC
Big win moves the Portuguese star even closer to that -57kg title shot. Absolute warrior performance.
Who’s next for Kape? #MMA
pic.twitter.com/OoxBII83cX(@Chrisxy24) June 21, 2026
Kyoji Horiguchi says he will “retrain and be back in no time” after UFC Vegas 119 loss
Kyoji Horiguchi took to X after the loss to let his fans know that he’s not giving up on his dream of becoming the first undisputed UFC champion from Japan. He vowed a quick turnaround and a strong comeback. Lastly, he also lauded Manel Kape, calling the finish “spectacular.”
“Thank you all for your support. I got spectacularly knocked out. I’m truly sorry. Cape was strong. Thank you! This is why I can’t quit martial arts. I’ll retrain and be back in no time! I’m not giving up on my dream yet.” [Translated from Japanese]
Check out his statement below:
皆さん応援ありがとうございました。
— 堀口恭司 Kyoji Horiguchi (@kyoji1012) June 21, 2026
派手にぶっ飛ばされました。本当にすみません。
ケイプ選手強かった。
ありがとうございました！
これだから格闘技は辞められないよね。
鍛え直してまたすぐに戻ってきます！
まだ俺の夢は諦めない。
Check out what else Kyoji Horiguchi said after his UFC Vegas 119 loss below:
Humble in defeat. Kyoji Horiguchi will be back. pic.twitter.com/zALbtbOtmw
— Tayler (@WallStreetMMA) June 21, 2026
Kyoji Horiguchi refuses to make excuses after his loss to Manel Kape and is already looking ahead to what's next.
— YouWager Sports (@youwagersport) June 21, 2026
“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”pic.twitter.com/dSsnopJpUf
After being stopped by Kape and seeing his eight-fight unbeaten streak come to an end, it will be interesting to see what the UFC has in store for the 35-year-old veteran next.
