Kai Kara-France believes that it will be second time lucky for him in more ways than one when he takes on Alexandre Pantoja for the flyweight title at UFC 317.
The Kiwi faced the Brazilian eight years ago when both men were competing in The Ultimate Fighter, with the reigning champion getting the nod in a tight two-round bout.
But that was over eight years ago, and much has changed since the two scrappy upstarts clashed inside the octagon.
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Pantoja has ascended to being the dominant ruler over the 125lb division, while Kara-France has worked his way up the chain continuously to be on the verge of being crowned champion.
Kara-France first had the opportunity to claim the strap three years ago when he faced off against Brandon Moreno for the interim title. However, he came undone on that night in Dallas and is desperate to now finally get champ status against an old rival.
Kai Kara-France seeks title redemption at UFC 317 against Alexandre Pantoja
“I remember being really drained from the weight cut,” Kara-France told The Sporting News when recalling his first meeting with Pantoja.
“The thing about being in The Ultimate Fighter is you cut weight every week to fight. I was drained from weeks and weeks of cutting and I didn’t really know how to cut weight back then.
“I just didn’t eat. So, I was malnourished and just doing a bit of bro science,” he smiled.
“I was young and it was a different time in my life. Now, I’m 32 and have a family and a wife. I’ve just got more purpose.
“He’s done well since then, obviously becoming the champion but now it’s my time.
“I’m more experienced, mature and just ready for everything that comes with becoming a world champion. The pressure, expectations – I felt it a few years ago when I fought for the interim title. I’ve seen it all before.”
Pantoja has proved an impossible puzzle to solve for the rest of the division in the past four years.
‘The Cannibal’ has never been knocked out in the UFC. In fact, his three losses in the promotion have all arrived via the judge’s scorecards, with the latest one being in July 2020 against Askar Askarov.
But while Kara-France acknowledges it will be a tough ask to get his opponent out of there, he still envisions coming out on top.
“He’s really durable, tough and he just finds a way to win,” the Kiwi said.
“His biggest strength is that he just wins. So, I’m going to beat him at his own game. I know it’s going to be war and there will be a lot of fireworks, but I’ve just got to be calm in the fire.”
Pantoja has beaten Moreno, Manel Kape, Brandon Royval and Steve Erceg via unanimous decision, while also submitting Royval, Alex Perez and Kai Asakura during his tear through the division.
Yet the man dubbed ‘Don’t Blink’ is adamant he will have the answers for the battle-hardened Brazilian when they meet in Sin City, while completing a full circle moment for both of them.
“I’ve got it in my back pocket that I can finish a fight whenever,” Kara-France stated.
“I’ve got 12 knockouts on my record in a division that doesn’t really have KOs. It’s not that common. So, that makes for an intriguing match-up where people don’t know what to expect.
“Pantoja has been on The Ultimate Fighter with me and has been a world champion for so long now that nothing will throw him off. But me being in his face and never giving up will throw him off.”
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