"One punch and it's over": Manel Kape knocks down Horikuchi, now eyes the title... Light heavyweight Sterling also subdues Coutureba [UFC]

*This content was translated by AI.

'Starboy' Manel Kape (32, Portugal/Angola) successfully avenged his loss nine years ago against 'Karate Kid' Kyuji Horikuchi (35, Japan). He now looks toward the UFC title.

Ranked No. 2 in the UFC flyweight division (56.7kg), Kape (23 wins, 7 losses) defeated No. 5 Horikuchi (36 wins, 6 losses, 1 no-contest) via TKO from a right-hand punch followed by ground strikes in the second minute and 42 seconds of the third round at the main event of 'UFC Fight Night: Kape vs. Horikuchi' held on the 21st (Korean time) at Meta ApeX in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. With this victory, Kape extended his consecutive (T)KO streak to four, setting a new UFC flyweight record for the most (T)KO wins (6).

The match unfolded similarly to nine years ago, when Kape lost by submission after being dominated overall. In the early stages, Kape struggled against Horikuchi's striking and wrestling. Horikuchi opened with a body kick, then targeted Kape's face with a left check hook. Whenever the distance closed, Horikuchi utilized wrestling to neutralize Kape's power. Notably, in the second round, a left check hook loosened Kape's legs, and Horikuchi successfully executed a takedown, controlling the fight for 3 minutes and 45 seconds from a dominant position to secure a clear advantage.

In the third round, a comeback knockdown punch landed. Kape aggressively pressured Horikuchi, seeking a reversal. However, Horikuchi skillfully slipped away and countered with a powerful punch. To make matters worse, after his leg kick was blocked, Horikuchi appeared to be in pain, stumbled backward, and fell. At that moment, Kape's counter punch landed on Horikuchi's overaggressive attack. After Horikuchi threw a one-two combination and failed to retreat, Kape's right straight connected on the third punch. Horikuchi's legs gave way; he staggered forward and collapsed. Kape followed up with punches on the prone Horikuchi. After Horikuchi took a powerful uppercut and his head hit the canvas, the referee stopped the fight.

Kape, who achieved revenge after eight years and six months, said, "Horikuchi is an incredible fighter, possibly the best opponent I've ever faced." He added, "I wanted to be like him, and that's how I got to this point," expressing deep respect for his opponent.

The key to his glorious moment was patience. "The most important thing is that I never give up," Kape stated. "I knew Horikuchi would land heavy shots during the fight, but I've fought through greater adversity in my life. In the end, one punch from me ends it," revealing the secret to his comeback.

His next target is a title fight against champion Joshua Van. Kape has recorded 8 wins and 1 loss in his last nine fights, including a four-fight winning streak. Along with former champion Alexandr Pantoza, who lost the title due to injury in an unfortunate bout, Kape is considered one of the top contenders for the next title shot. Kape declared, "I don't know UFC's plans, but I just beat the best flyweight fighter in the world. Now I must fight for the title."

Meanwhile, in the co-main event, undefeated Na'Veah Sterling (28, New Zealand) of the UFC light heavyweight division (93kg) defeated veteran Ion Cutelaba (32, Moldova) to extend his winning streak to 10.

Sterling struggled early, allowing five takedowns in the first round against Cutelaba. However, he fought aggressively on the ground in the second round and ultimately secured the comeback. After being taken down, Sterling reversed the position and, with Cutelaba sitting with his back against the cage, landed a series of punches. When Cutelaba could not defend himself, the referee stopped the fight via TKO at 3 minutes and 23 seconds of the second round.

In a post-fight interview, Sterling said, "I've repeatedly told everyone that I am the next big star. Because I'm the real deal, anyone can come and verify whether I'm a fraud or not." He continued, "The light heavyweight division is in chaos right now, and I don't care who my next opponent is. I might even fight again in October," outlining his future plans.

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*This content was translated by AI.