Barbara Perenic/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Kai Kara-France Knocks Out Steve Erceg at UFC 305

Originally posted on Wrestling on SI | By Justin Barrasso | Last updated Aug 18, 2024 12:33 AM ET

This spring, Steve Erceg was moments away from defeating Alexandre Pantoja and winning the UFC Flyweight Championship.

Pantoja found a way to control the fifth round and win the fight–and the downward spiral continued for Erceg (12-3) at UFC 305, where he was finished in the opening round by Kai Kara-France by TKO.

That's why you don't blink when he fights! @KaiKaraFrance delivers an amazing performance at #UFC305!

[ LIVE NOW on @ESPNPlus PPV ] pic.twitter.com/3ZmaH4esqW
— UFC (@ufc) August 18, 2024

After two straight losses, Kara-France thrusts himself back into title contention with the victory. His overhand left dropped Erceg, then his right hand put Erceg’s lights out.

Letting his actions speak! @KaiKaraFrance believes a flyweight title shot could be next after his #UFC305 victory!

[ LIVE NOW on @ESPNPlus PPV ] pic.twitter.com/vE4kPp7U56
— UFC (@ufc) August 18, 2024

It was a statement win for Kara-France (25-11, 1 NC). He needed a win and a highlight reel finish, and he got both–opening a distinct possibility that he is next in line for Pantoja.

This article first appeared on Wrestling on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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