UFC returns to the Meta APEX in Las Vegas on Saturday, June 20, with a compelling flyweight showdown at the top of the division as No. 2 ranked contender Manel Kape squares off against No. 5 ranked Kyoji Horiguchi in a highly anticipated rematch at UFC Fight Night: Kape vs. Horiguchi.
The event will also feature a pivotal bantamweight clash between No. 15 ranked Farid Basharat and rising prospect Ethyn Ewing as both fighters look to strengthen their standing in one of the UFC’s deepest divisions.
UFC Fight Night: Kape vs. Horiguchi is set to stream live on Paramount+, with prelims beginning at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT and the main card kicking off at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
The main event pits two of the flyweight division’s most dangerous competitors against one another in a rematch years in the making. Kape enters the bout looking to continue his rise toward championship contention and avenge a previous loss to Horiguchi.
Sporting a 22-7 record, Kape has become one of the division’s most entertaining fighters, earning a reputation for explosive finishes and highlight-reel performances. Fighting out of Phuket, Thailand by way of Porto, Portugal, Kape has secured notable wins over Brandon Royval, Asu Almabayev, and Bruno Silva. With momentum on his side, he hopes a victory over Horiguchi will finally earn him his first UFC title shot.
Standing in his way is former UFC title challenger Horiguchi, who has enjoyed a strong resurgence since returning to the promotion. The veteran owns a 36-5 record with one no contest and has quickly climbed back into the flyweight Top 5 through decisive victories over Amir Albazi and Tagir Ulanbekov.
Fighting out of Coconut Creek, Florida by way of Gunma, Japan, Horiguchi enters the matchup undefeated during his second UFC stint and plans to once again prove he has Kape’s number while moving closer to championship contention.
The featured bout sees undefeated bantamweight contender Farid Basharat return to action against surging prospect Ethyn Ewing in what could have major implications for the division’s rankings.
Basharat, who boasts a spotless 15-0 professional record, has emerged as one of the bantamweight division’s brightest prospects after earning victories over Jean Matsumoto, Chris Gutierrez, and Victor Hugo. A graduate of Dana White’s Contender Series Season 6, the Afghanistan-born standout fighting out of Coconut Creek, Florida, aims to preserve his unbeaten streak and continue climbing the rankings.
Meanwhile, Ewing enters the biggest fight of his career riding significant momentum. The Yorba Linda, California native has already turned heads with impressive victories over Malcolm Wellmaker and Rafael Estevam and now looks to defeat his third undefeated opponent in succession while breaking into the UFC bantamweight Top 15.
Beyond the featured matchups, UFC has assembled a deep supporting card loaded with ranked contenders, unbeaten prospects, and high-action matchups.
In women’s bantamweight action, No. 10 ranked Karol Rosa puts her position in the rankings on the line against No. 14 ranked Luana Santos in an all-Brazilian showdown. Heavyweights Jhonata Diniz and UFC newcomer Jose Montanha are also set to collide in a battle of powerful finishers.
Unbeaten bantamweight Bia Mesquita faces Melissa Mullins as she attempts to remain perfect inside the Octagon, while light heavyweight veteran Ion Cutelaba meets undefeated prospect Navajo Stirling in a clash of experience versus rising talent.
Elsewhere on the card, undefeated flyweight Andre Lima takes on Kevin Borjas, featherweights Gaston Bolanos and Michael Aswell meet in an intriguing matchup, and Hyder Amil faces Christian Rodriguez in another action-packed featherweight contest.
The event will also showcase flyweights Allan Nascimento and Mitch Raposo, while Melsik Baghdasaryan looks to halt the momentum of undefeated Dana White’s Contender Series signee Murtazali Magomedov in the newcomer’s UFC debut.
Tickets for UFC Fight Night: Kape vs. Horiguchi go on sale Friday, May 22 at 10 a.m. PT via AXS, with UFC Fight Club members receiving early access on Wednesday, May 20. UFC newsletter subscribers can also participate in an online presale beginning Thursday, May 21.
Fans seeking a premium experience can purchase Meta APEX VIP Experience packages through UFC’s official VIP provider, featuring premium seating, hospitality perks, in-seat beverage service, and exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities.
With title implications looming in the flyweight division and an action-packed undercard loaded with emerging talent and ranked contenders, UFC Fight Night: Kape vs. Horiguchi is shaping up to be a must-watch night of fights in Las Vegas.
