What’s next for Manel Kape and Kyoji Horiguchi after UFC Vegas 119?

The UFC returned to the Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday for UFC Vegas 119. The main event saw flyweight contenders throw down as Manel Kape took on Kyoji Horiguchi in a rematch nearly 10 years in the making.

Kape entered the fight coming off a KO win over Brandon Royval and was on a three-fight winning streak. Horiguchi, meanwhile, was on an eight-fight unbeaten streak and was 2-0 since returning to the UFC.

Ultimately, it was Kape who won by third-round TKO to cement himself as the No. 1 contender. Following UFC Vegas 119, here is what I think should be next for the flyweight contenders.

Manel Kape

Manel Kape was looking for revenge against Kyoji Horiguchi, and he did just that. Kape struggled early, as Horiguchi was able to have success with wrestling. Yet, in the third round, Kape took over and landed heavy shots that forced the ref to step in and end the fight.

With the win, Kape’s next fight has to be for the flyweight title. If Alexandre Pantoja can’t be ready, Kape should fight Joshua Van later this year. The fight would be a fun fight on paper, as Kape and Van are solid strikers, and after beating Horiguchi, a title fight has to be next.

Kyoji Horiguchi

Kyoji Horiguchi, meanwhile, was also looking to secure a title shot with a win at UFC Vegas 119. Early on, it appeared the underdog was on his way to winning, before being finished in the third round.

Although Horiguchi lost, he’s still one of the best flyweights in the world, so he’s still only a couple of wins away from a title shot. Horiguchi should face the loser of Brandon Royval vs. Lone’er Kavanagh which takes place at UFC 329. The winner will be back in the title picture, while the loser could become a gatekeeper.

What do you think should be next for Manel Kape and Kyoji Horiguchi after UFC Vegas 119?