PERTH, Australia – Kai Kara-France needs his crack at UFC gold.
Following a profitable return to the octagon, Kara-France (25-11 MMA, 8-4 UFC) is hoping his subsequent battle to be towards UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pamntoja. He thinks Saturday’s stoppage win over Steve Erceg (12-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC) at UFC 305 proved he’s deserving of a title shot and an actual menace to Pantoja.
“Should you break down this battle, I simply beat the man everybody thought ought to’ve been the champion,” Kara-France advised reporters, together with MMA Junkie, on the UFC 305 post-fight information convention. “I simply beat him within the first spherical (after) taking time away from the game, coming again and making an announcement with my actions. I heard the UFC needs to usher in this man from Japan known as Kai, however I’m the true Kai.
“That is my dwelling. You’ll be able to’t simply are available and assume you’ll be able to bang with the large canines. You assume you’re good, nevertheless it doesn’t work like that. It’s a must to earn it. I’ve been within the firm for some time and I’ve fought everybody on this flyweight division, and I’ve advised time and time once more I’m going to let my actions be my loudest voice. I’m making noise now. Alexandre Pantoja – I do know he doesn’t have a battle booked, however I’d’ve simply leap-frogged right into a title shot – that’s how I see it.”
Pantoja has but to be booked for his subsequent title protection. He most just lately competed in Might, defeating Erceg at UFC 303 for his second title protection. There have been rumors that UFC newcomer Kai Asakura will get the subsequent shot at Pantoja.
Kara-France thinks December is an efficient timeframe for his return. Though the 2 have but to battle in an expert setting, they do have historical past. Kara-France and Pantoja fought in an exhibition bout in 2016 on “The Final Fighter.}
“If they need me to battle for the title, I’ll fortunately wait until December,” Kara-France mentioned. “I need to battle earlier than the tip of the yr if that aligns they usually need to make that occur. You realize, me and Pantoja have historical past. We shared the octagon on Season 24 of ‘The Final Fighter.’ It was solely a two-round battle, so couldn’t actually showcase all our abilities, reducing weight week-in, week-out on that present. I do know him. He’s finished rather well within the UFC and being a champion now, nothing however props. He’s a canine and I really like this battle nonetheless. I really feel like I might be the one to take him out.”
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 305.
You should definitely go to the MMA Junkie Instagram web page and YouTube channel to debate this and extra content material with followers of blended martial arts.
