UFC Champion Joshua Van’s ‘Diapers’ Still Targeted by Manel Kape Ahead of Important UFC Vegas 119 Rematch

Portuguese flyweight Manel Kape once again takes aim at UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van ahead of UFC Vegas 119.

UFC Champion Joshua Van’s ‘Diapers’ Still Targeted by Manel Kape Ahead of Important UFC Vegas 119 Rematch

Manel Kape calls out Joshua Van (via MMA Mania, CBS Sports)

Manel Kape returns to the Octagon at UFC Vegas 119 this Saturday, once again bringing attention to the flyweight division. Fight week is rarely quiet when the Portuguese contender is involved, and this event has been no exception. Kape is set to face Kyoji Horiguchi in a long-awaited rematch. However, he still found time to turn his attention toward UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van in his own hilarious fashion.

Kape remains one of the strongest contenders in the flyweight division and has consistently positioned himself near title contention. He has been taking shots at Van since the new champion claimed the belt at UFC 323 after the bout with former champion Alexandre Pantoja ended following a freak injury. Since that championship change, ‘Starboy’ has repeatedly inserted himself into the title conversation.

Kape is known for his hilarious and unconventional trash talk, often using fight week appearances to target rivals. The Portuguese flyweight has regularly aimed unusual remarks at Van since the champion captured the title. That trend continued ahead of UFC Vegas 119. Kape once again delivered a bizarre message directed at Van, adding another chapter to their growing rivalry.

I am looking forward to that but right now my total focus. But if this on UFC’s plane of course I want to take his diapers alive but first of all we have to take care of this business on Saturday. Win comfortably and make a beautiful statement and then take care of my young kid.

Manel Kape via UFC on Paramount

Kape has pushed for a title shot for months and first made his case during Alexandre Pantoja’s reign. He called for a championship opportunity after defeating Asu Almabayev at UFC Vegas 103 in March 2026. His knockout win over Brandon Royval at the final UFC event of the ESPN era in December 2025 further boosted Kape into the top three at flyweight and strengthened his title credentials.

However, Kape’s outspoken approach has not always worked in his favor and has occasionally created problems. He was involved in a heated altercation with former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya during the UFC 293 press conference. Kape also spent months trading barbs with Muhammad Mokaev before their UFC 304 grudge match. Despite the buildup, he ultimately suffered a decision loss.

The fight against Kyoji Horiguchi undoubtedly remains Kape’s top priority given the history between the two flyweights. Horiguchi previously defeated the Portuguese contender at the RIZIN Fighting World Grand Prix 2017: Final Round, giving Manel Kape extra motivation heading into their rematch. ‘Starboy’ will now look to avenge that defeat and strengthen his case for a shot at the UFC flyweight championship.

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Manel Kape reveals why the rematch against Kyoji Horiguchi won’t go the same as their first meeting

Kyoji Horiguchi enters UFC Vegas 119 as one of the most accomplished fighters in flyweight history. The Japanese star is a former Bellator and RIZIN champion who previously challenged Demetrious Johnson for the UFC flyweight title. Known for his speed and technical striking, Horiguchi remains a dangerous contender. He reinforced that status with a unanimous decision win over Amir Albazi at UFC Vegas 113.

Manel Kape
Manel Kape (via Instagram)

The first meeting between Horiguchi and Manel Kape took place at the RIZIN Fighting World Grand Prix 2017. Horiguchi scored multiple knockdowns before securing an arm-triangle choke submission. The win became one of the biggest results of his career and helped propel him toward tournament success. Nearly nine years later, Kape has spoken about the difference he has made ahead of their rematch.

Nine years ago, I didn’t have the team to do all this homework. Right now, I have all the things that we’re working on, and it makes sense. It’s opened my eyes, opened my game. And we see a lot of mistakes, a lot of gaps that we can explore, that I didn’t have before.

Manel Kape via Home Of Fight

Manel Kape has gained considerable experience since his 2017 loss to Horiguchi, emerging as one of the UFC flyweight division’s leading contenders. The Portuguese star has collected key victories over the likes of Bruno Silva and Ode Osbourne during his early UFC career. Both fighters enter UFC Vegas 119 riding recent wins and strong momentum. Their rematch now carries major stakes in the flyweight title picture.

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