The flyweight title was on the line in the UFC 317 co-main event on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Champion Alexandre Pantoja faced No. 4 ranked Kai Kara-France in his fourth title defense.
Pantoja brought with him the belt and a seven-fight winning streak. The last time the Brazilian tasted defeat was in July 2020 and he had never been stopped in his 34-fight career.
Kara-France entered the fight coming off a first-round knockout win over former title challenger Steve Erceg. He hoped to build on that win and pick up a championship in the process.
The two previously fought on The Ultimate Fighter 24 back in 2016. Pantoja defeated Kara-France via decision in the quarterfinals.
Pantoja took the center of the cage and landed a leg kick. Pantoja went on the offense and pressed forward with punches. He changed levels and took Kara-France down. Pantoja took Kara-France’s back and locked on a body triangle. He delivered punches to the body. Kara-France worked on the bottom. Pantoja briefly looked for an arm-triangle choke before letting it go. He worked from the half guard position. Pantoja kept heavy top pressure, Kara-France rolled and Pantoja delivered punches to the body at the bell. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Pantoja.
Pantoja landed a right hand to start the second frame. Kara-France moved on the outside and Pantoja went to the body with a kick. Kara-France pawed with his jab and Pantoja delivered back-to-back leg kicks. Kara-France looked hesitant. Pantoja rushed forward and took Kara-France down with three minutes on the clock.
Kara-France worked his way back to his feet but Pantoja kept the pressure on. They separated and Kara-France connected with a right hand. Kara-France clinched and drove Pantoja to the fence. Pantoja spun him and looked for a takedown. Kara-France shook off the attempt and circled free. Pantoja delivered a knee to the body followed by a right hand. MMAWeekly score the round 10-9 for Pantoja.
The third round began with Pantoja pressing the action. He closed the distance with punches and worked to take Kara-France down. Pantoja pulled Kara-France to the ground, took his back and locked on a body triangle. Pantoja applied a rear-naked choke. It was under the chin. Kara-France was forced to tap out. Pantoja retains his title.
The official time of the submission finish was 1:54 of the third round.
