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Pantoja Makes Kai Kara-France Tap; Is Joshua Van Next?

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Jun 29, 2025 11:10 AM ET

Alexandre Pantoja submitted Kai Kara-France at UFC 317 in the third round, as you can follow what happened with round-by-round updates.

Pantoja puts his UFC Flyweight Title on the line for the fourth time. The fight was a rematch after the first bout took place on ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ in the 24th season. The champion won the fight on that occasion, as he arrived into the bout with a Kai Asakura win at UFC 310. Meanwhile, Kara-France puts himself in a position for the title after defeating Steve Erceg in his last fight at UFC 305. It was the perfect response, as the win stopped his two-fight losing streak. However, Pantoja got another win, as a Joshua van fight could follow. Here is how the fight played out.

Updates

Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Kara-France Round 1: WILD START! Kara-France lands a HUGE hook that wobbles Pantoja, but the champ immediately shoots in, takes him down, and secures the back! Masterful! Pantoja's in "anaconda-ville" with a body triangle, peppering shots! He…
— BoxingNews.com (@BoxingNews) June 29, 2025

Alexandre Pantoja Vs. Kai Kara-France round 3: Alexandre Pantoja WINS! An early right hook, then Pantoja GRABS HOLD and drags Kara-France down! Out of NOWHERE, he locks on the Rear-Naked Choke! They're hand fighting, but it's NO DICE! Kara-France TAPS! AND STILL your…
— BoxingNews.com (@BoxingNews) June 29, 2025

ALEXANDRE PANTOJA DEFEATS KAI KARA-FRANCE VIA SUBMISSION! What an absolute masterclass! CAN ANYONE BEAT THIS MAN?! Is Pantoja vs. Joshua Van next?! The flyweight division is on notice! https://t.co/iy7HUs8nLJ
— BoxingNews.com (@BoxingNews) June 29, 2025

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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