Watch out, Pantoja! Top flyweights headline UFC Vegas 119 and dream of a title shot.

Pantoja backstage at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC

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Having not fought since December, when he suffered a serious arm injury and ended up losing the flyweight title (up to 57 kg), Alexandre pantoja He believes that, upon his return to the octagon, which is yet to be scheduled, he will challenge his nemesis and current champion. Joshua Van. Yet, Kyoji Horiguchi e Manel kape They are ready to disrupt the Brazilian's plans and could leave him behind. The top fighters in the category headline the event. ufc vegas 119, an event that takes place this Saturday (20), and the winner will be in a great position, getting closer to the top.

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Interestingly, these athletes are old acquaintances of Pantoja. Horiguchi is a friend and training partner of the Brazilian at the 'American Top Team' academy. Kape faced the veteran in his UFC debut in 2021 and lost by split decision. But now, the scenario has changed. It's true that since 'The Cannibal' was a dominant champion and lost the title due to injury and not because he was defeated by the Burmese fighter, his standing remains high. On the other hand, the time the former king of the division was sidelined allowed the other athletes to emerge.

Kape and Horiguchi face off respectfully at UFC. Photo: Getty Images/Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Therefore, since the Angolan is ranked second in the flyweight division and the Japanese fighter is ranked fifth and a former title challenger, the possibility of the winner of the main event of... ufc vegas 119 Jumping the queue against Pantoja is a real possibility. Especially since the pair in question are highly regarded, have a good reputation, and have been part of the elite of the division for years. It's worth noting that this will be the second time these professionals have faced off. In their first encounter, held at Rizin in 2017, the Japanese fighter submitted 'Starboy' in the third round.

Therefore, with such ingredients, the expectation is that the main fight of ufc vegas 119 Don't disappoint and make it a true battle of the highest level. Kape possesses exceptional striking quality and above-average power for a flyweight, while Horiguchi is more well-rounded and displays a better fight IQ. If the first duel ended quickly in favor of the Japanese fighter, the rematch eight years later has all the makings of a balanced fight and a decision, largely due to the Angolan's improved performance. One thing is certain: besides the fans, Pantoja and Van will be watching closely as the two fighters settle their score.

UFC Vegas 119 technical details

Date: May 20, 2026

Time: From 18pm (Brasília time)

Location: Meta Apex, Las Vegas, United States

How to watch: SUPER FIGHTS LIVE in real time, Paramount+ (entire card) on TV and internet.

MAIN CARD (21pm Brasília time)

Flyweight (up to 57 kg): Manel kape x Kyoji Horiguchi

Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Ion cutelaba x Navajo Stirling

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Hyder Amil x Christian rodriguez

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Melsik Baghdasaryan x Murtazali Magomedov

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): André Fili x Vinicius LokDog

PRELIMINARY CARD (18pm Brasília time)

Flyweight (up to 57 kg): André Mascot x Kevin Borjas

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Bia Mosque x Melissa Mullins

Flyweight (up to 57 kg): Allan Puro Osso x Mitch Raposo

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Gaston Bolanos x Michael Aswell Jr

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Leon Shahbazyan x Levan Chokheli

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Karol Rosa x Luana Santos

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Shane Collins x Otari Tanzilovi