This is a rematch from 9.5 years ago. Using that fight as the basis of a pick here would be foolish. But I do encourage you to watch that fight. It was fun, but it was kind of sloppy. First of all, it is was in a ring and not a cage which changes a lot. Both fighters had moments of success but there was also eye pokes, headbutts and an insane amount of slipping. Ultimately Manel won by submission and they did get to the ground because of a takedown shot by Horiguchi but this was 90% a striking match.

I started this off by recapping the first time these two fought and went on to say that you cannot use that fight as the basis for a pick in this one and it seems the sports books have taken that seriously because seeing Kape as almost a 2-1 favorite is wide as hell. These guys are almost the same fighter except I think Horiguchi is a little more mobile and the better wrestler if he needs to be. My only concern here would be Kape's power because I do think he has the one punch upside, but someone has to be in front of you to hit them and Horiguchi is nuts mobile. Horiguchi is the pick and I threw down half a unit at +160

Manel Kape

Manel Kape is a fast and explosive striker who has no issues chasing knockouts. He is a southpaw with good pressure and bounces in and out of range really well. He is a decent wrestler when he needs to be and he closes distance well when he wants to. He's very fun to watch and can put on a show. He is coming off a great finish win over the typically very durable Brandon Rovyal.

Kyoji Horiguchi

Kyoji Horiguchi is a nomad and was not a name everyone knew before his last couple of fights. He is a long standing staple of the world's 125lb division. His officially UFC record is an incredible 9-1 with that 1, being a title loss to Demetrius Johnson. Style wise he is a fast, powerful and athletic striker who has great footwork and loves to bounce in and out of range. He can wrestle as well but typically a backup plan. He is coming off the dominant win over Amir Albazi where he was fast. mobile and almost KO'd him a few times.