Pantoja's Reign Continues! Demolishes Kara-France in UFC 317 Thriller!
Alexandre Pantoja is solidifying his legacy as a dominant force in the UFC flyweight division! At UFC 317, held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Pantoja (30-5) showcased his superior grappling skills, submitting Kai Kara-France (25-12, 1 NC) in the third round via a rear-naked choke. This victory marks his fourth successful title defense since claiming the championship in 2023, further cementing his place among the flyweight elite.
Pantoja's Dominance on Display
From the opening bell, Pantoja dictated the pace, immediately taking Kara-France down and neutralizing his opponent's striking prowess with a relentless ground game. Kara-France, known for his striking abilities, found himself constantly on the defensive, struggling to escape Pantoja's control. It was evident that Pantoja's superior grappling skills would eventually lead to a submission opportunity, and he capitalised perfectly in the third round.
Building a Flyweight Legacy
While comparisons to Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, the long-reigning flyweight king, are inevitable, Pantoja is carving his own impressive path. Although surpassing Johnson's overall legacy remains a monumental task, Pantoja has already broken records, boasting the most wins (14), finishes (8), and submissions (6) in UFC flyweight history within the flyweight division. These achievements highlight his consistent performance and ability to finish fights, making him a threat to any opponent.
- Most Wins: 14
- Most Finishes: 8
- Most Submissions: 6
His impressive record includes victories over top contenders such as Kara-France, Kai Asakura, Steve Erceg, Brandon Royval, and Brandon Moreno. This impressive list of wins further solidifies his position as a top pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC. Following his victory over Kara-France, Pantoja called for a higher ranking on the pound-for-pound list, and given his recent performances, it's becoming increasingly difficult to deny him that recognition.
Next Opponent in Sight: Joshua Van?
With another successful title defense under his belt, the question now turns to who Pantoja will face next. The most likely contender appears to be Joshua Van, a rising star who impressed with a unanimous decision victory over Brandon Royval earlier in the night. Van and Royval engaged in a thrilling battle, setting a new UFC record for combined strikes in a three-round fight (419), and the third-most in any fight including five-round bouts, according to UFC commentator Michael Ca.
The clash between Van and Pantoja promises to be an exciting matchup, pitting the champion's grappling expertise against the rising star's striking power. The future of the flyweight division looks bright, with Pantoja leading the charge and a new generation of talented fighters emerging to challenge for the title. Will Pantoja continue his dominant reign, or will a new contender rise to claim the throne? Only time will tell!
UFC fans in South Africa, get ready for more exciting fights and see if Pantoja can cement his place as one of the greatest flyweights of all time!
