Tag: Kai Kara-France

Manel Kape predicts Alexandre Pantoja gets Kai Kara-France – and he plans to smoke the winner

UFC contender Manel Kape thinks Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Kara-France is likely next – but whoever wins will falter when they face him.

[autotag]Manel Kape[/autotag] views his upcoming UFC main event as a title eliminator but predicts he’ll have to wait in line before a title fight actually happens.

At UFC Fight Night 253, Kape (20-7 MMA, 6-3 UFC) will battle Brandon Royval (17-7 MMA, 7-3 UFC). The winner will align themselves nicely for a title shot. However, Kape thinks champion [autotag]Alexandre Pantoja[/autotag] will likely compete against another fighter first.

“Probably he’s going to fight Kai Kara-France, I do believe,” Kape recently told MMA Junkie Radio. “I do believe. I do believe [autotag]Kai Kara-France[/autotag] has the skills to match up with Pantoja. Pantoja is a very hard opponent. But I do believe Kai Kara-France has some potential. He has a bigger chance than many other options. Brandon Royval, I believe 100 percent not going to fight until the third round. Maybe I’m fighting Kai Kara-France or Pantoja.”

Pantoja has established himself as a fairly dominant champion in a day and age where gold changes hands often. Since he defeated Brandon Moreno for the UFC flyweight title in July 2023, Pantoja has successfully defended his strap three times.

Though Kara-France (25-11 MMA, 8-4 UFC) is not on a multifight winning streak, he’s a fresh face for Pantoja who recently finished Steve Erceg, a fighter Pantoja struggled to defeat.

Regardless of who might be in his path should he align himself for a title fight, Kape likes his chances.

“I just prefer whoever is going to be there with the title,” Kape said. “I’m going to go there to take. I don’t have a preference. Both of them, I can smoke them. I don’t have any preference.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 253.

UFC champ Alexandre Pantoja: Kai Kara-France ‘makes most sense’ next

With Demetrious Johnson an unrealistic option, Alexandre Pantoja discusses his next plans for the UFC flyweight title.

UFC flyweight champion [autotag]Alexandre Pantoja[/autotag] doesn’t see too many options for his next title defense.

Pantoja (29-5 MMA, 13-3 UFC) surprisingly called out Demetrious Johnson after retaining his belt with a second-round submission of newcomer Kai Asakura this past Saturday at UFC 310, but Johnson isn’t interested in coming out of retirement.

A willing and eager contender is [autotag]Kai Kara-France[/autotag] (24-11 MMA, 7-4 UFC), who snapped his two-fight losing skid with a first-round TKO of Steve Erceg at UFC 305. Despite Kara-France having lost two of his past three fights, Pantoja doesn’t see a better candidate at 125 pounds.

Pantoja already has a win over Kara-France, but it came in an exhibition bout during Season 24 of “The Ultimate Fighter.” He admits that both fighters have grown since then.

“I’m differentt, he’s different,” Pantoja said of Kara-France on “The Ariel Helwani Show.” “Oh yeah (I’m interested). For now, that’s the fight that most makes sense. In the last three fights, he’s lost twice. But for now, after what I’ve done to my division, everything doesn’t make sense anymore.

“I fight the No. 1, No. 2, top 10, then you bring in someone from somewhere else. I think everybody has a chance right now. Very nice fight. Yeah, Kai Kara-France is a very exciting fight. That’s the someone that’s going to bring me to another level.”

Pantoja is also open to testing his grappling against undefeated Muhammad Mokaev, who recently parted ways with the UFC. Deiveson Figueiredo, who beat Pantoja in July 2019, expressed interest in dropping back down to 125 pounds to fight him.

However, with Kara-France being the only active flyweight out of the three options, that’s who the champion thinks makes sense the most for him next.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 310.

Kai Kara-France confident he could ‘definitely’ knock out UFC 310 headliners Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Asakura

Kai Kara-France likes his chances against either UFC 310 headliner.

[autotag]Kai Kara-France[/autotag] likes his chances against either UFC 310 headliner.

Flyweight champion [autotag]Alexandre Pantoja[/autotag] (28-5 MMA, 12-3 UFC) defends his title against former RIZIN champion [autotag]Kai Asakura[/autotag] (21-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC) in Saturday’s main event (pay-per-view, ESPN2, ESPN+) at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Kara-France (24-11 MMA, 7-4 UFC) is coming off a knockout win over former title challenger Steve Erceg at UFC 305 in August. He was initially surprised to see a newcomer get the title fight, but looks forward to someday challenging the winner of Pantoja vs. Asakura.

“I feel like I could definitely knock out Kai or Pantoja,” Kara-France said in an interview with Engage. “So, that’s why I’ll be tuning in. …If Pantoja wins, let’s fight in New Zealand. I’ll headline it, me and him for the title, in front of my people.

“I’m sure he wants to travel, come down under and get to see something different. That would be a dream. There’s a story (if Asakura wins) as well. I would love to go back over there, fight in Super Saitama Arena, in front of all the Japanese fans and fight for the title there. That would be awesome.”

Although Kara-France’s win over Erceg snapped a two-fight losing skid, “Don’t Blink” explains why him facing the winner of Pantoja vs. Asakura would make sense.

“I feel like I had done enough,” Kara-France said. “Just the state of the flyweight division, everyone’s fought everyone two or three times now. I haven’t fought Pantoja since 2016 being on ‘The Ultimate Fighter,’ and that was only two rounds. That should have gone to a third round because that was a close fight, but look how much time has passed, eight years.

“We’re both the face of the flyweight division. Him as a champ now, Pantoja, doing really well. I haven’t fought him in the UFC, but I’ve fought (Brandon) Moreno, (Brandon) Royval, and I’ve fought Amir (Albazi), and those are the only guys in front of me. So, it just makes sense for me to fight Pantoja if he gets past Kai Asakura, and if he (Asakura) wins, then Kai vs. Kai.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 310.

Kai Kara-France baffled by newcomer Kai Asakura getting title shot at UFC 310: ‘They’ve got the wrong Kai’

Kai Kara-France doesn’t think Kai Asakura deserves a UFC title shot.

[autotag]Kai Kara-France[/autotag] doesn’t think [autotag]Kai Asakura[/autotag] deserves a UFC title shot.

Former RIZIN champion Asakura (21-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC) challenges flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja (28-5 MMA, 12-3 UFC) in the UFC 310 co-main event on Dec. 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN2, ESPN+).

Asakura received a title shot immediately after signing with the UFC, which top contender Kara-France (25-11 MMA, 8-4 UFC) says is not right.

“They’ve got the wrong Kai,” Kara-France told Sky Sports NZ. “After my fight, I was calling for the title shot, and I was thinking, ‘Sweet, I’ve got it,’ and then I heard they’re bringing in a guy from Japan and his name is Kai. Bro, he hasn’t even fought yet. I don’t think he earns it. You’ve got to at least show your worth or do something for guys who have been grinding for years in the UFC division, fighting the best guys.

“We’ve proved that we belong here, so I don’t know. That’s just how I feel about it. It’s weird that you can come in off no fights in the UFC and get a title shot. But if it’s going to bring in more attention to this flyweight division, you know, a bit of controversy – Does this guy deserve it? – yeah, he can go out there and prove it.”

Kara-France called for a title shot after scoring a first-round TKO over Steve Erceg at UFC 305 in August. He snapped a two-fight losing skid after back-to-back setbacks to Brandon Moreno for the interim title, followed by a close split decision loss to Amir Albazi.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 310.

UFC 305 medical suspensions: Li Jingliang shut down for 2 months after brutal KO

After a brutal KO at the hands of Carlos Prates, Li Jingliang is out two months. But one UFC 305 suspension is potentially longer.

Everyone who fought this past Saturday at UFC 305 has been given medical suspensions after their bouts, though several were just for mandatory rest periods.

Of note, Li Jingliang, who suffered one of the most brutal knockouts in recent memory at the hand of Carlos Prates, will be out for 60 days. Plus, Casey O’Neill, who took a decision from Luana Santos on the prelims, has a 6-month suspension unless she gets clearance from a doctor to return sooner.

The event, which took place at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, was headlined by a middleweight title bout between champion Dricus Du Plessis and former champ Israel Adesanya.

Thursday, MMA Junkie acquired a full list of medical suspensions from the commission at the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries of Western Australia, which oversaw the event. Check out that full list below. It’s important to note fighters can return prior to the conclusion of the full term if they are cleared by a doctor (unless noted otherwise).

Jesus Aguilar def. Stewart Nicoll

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 18: Stewart Nicoll of Australia is checked by medical staff after being defeated by Jesus Aguilar of Mexico during the Flyweight Bout against during UFC 305 at RAC Arena on August 18, 2024 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

[autotag]Jesus Aguilar[/autotag]: 15 days mandatory rest
[autotag]Stewart Nicoll[/autotag]: 30-day suspension

Song Kenan def. Ricky Glenn

[autotag]Song Kenan[/autotag]: 21-day suspension
[autotag]Ricky Glenn[/autotag]: 30-day suspension

Tom Nolan def. Alex Reyes

[autotag]Tom Nolan[/autotag]: 30-day suspension
[autotag]Alex Reyes[/autotag]: 30-day suspension

Jack Jenkins def. Herbert Burns

[autotag]Jack Jenkins[/autotag]: 15 days mandatory rest
[autotag]Herbert Burns[/autotag]: 30-day suspension

Casey O’Neill def. Luana Santos

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 18: Casey O’Neill of Australia celebrates after her Women’s Flyweight fight against Luana Santos of Brazil during UFC 305 at RAC Arena on August 18, 2024 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

[autotag]Casey O’Neill[/autotag]: 180-day suspension unless cleared by doctor
[autotag]Luana Santos[/autotag]: 15 days mandatory rest

Ricardo Ramos def. Josh Culibao

[autotag]Ricardo Ramos[/autotag]: 30-day suspension
[autotag]Josh Culibao[/autotag]: 30-day suspension

Valter Walker def. Junior Tafa

[autotag]Valter Walker[/autotag]: 15 days mandatory rest
[autotag]Junior Tafa[/autotag]: 15-day suspension

Carlos Prates def. Li Jingliang

China’s Li Jingliang (in red) is knocked out by Brazil’s Carlos Prates in their men’s welterweight division event of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 305 at the Perth Arena in Perth on August 18, 2024. (Photo by COLIN MURTY / AFP) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE — (Photo by COLIN MURTY/AFP via Getty Images)

[autotag]Carlos Prates[/autotag]: 15-day suspension
[autotag]Li Jingliang[/autotag]: 60-day suspension

Jairzinho Rozenstruik def. Tai Tuivasa

[autotag]Jairzinho Rozenstruik[/autotag]: 15 days mandatory rest
[autotag]Tai Tuivasa[/autotag]: 30-day suspension

Dan Hooker def. Mateusz Gamrot

[autotag]Dan Hooker[/autotag]: 45-day suspension
[autotag]Mateusz Gamrot[/autotag]: 30-day suspension

Kai Kara-France def. Steve Erceg

[autotag]Kai Kara-France[/autotag]: 15 days mandatory rest
[autotag]Steve Erceg[/autotag]: 45-day suspension

Dricus Du Plessis def. Israel Adesanya

[autotag]Dricus Du Plessis[/autotag]: 15 days mandatory rest
[autotag]Israel Adesanya[/autotag]: 30-day suspension

Spinning Back Clique REPLAY: Dricus Du Plessis submits Israel Adesanya, other UFC 305 results, Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree

Our panel discusses the major results from UFC 305, Alex Pereira’s title bout vs. Khalil Rountree, the PFL playoffs and more.

Check out this week’s “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly live show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts.

This week’s panel of Brian “Goze” Garcia, Matt Wells and Danny Segura will join host “Gorgeous” George Garcia live at a special start time of 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT) to discuss and debate the following topics:

  • It was “And still” Saturday when [autotag]Dricus Du Plessis[/autotag] defended his middleweight belt for the first time against former champion [autotag]Israel Adesanya[/autotag] in the main event of UFC 305. Du Plessis (22-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) submitted Adesanya (24-4 MMA, 13-4 UFC) in the fourth round of their contest, and now appears to have set up a title rematch with Sean Strickland. Is that the right fight to make? Where does Adesanya go from here? We discuss the fallout from the UFC 305 main event.
  • Du Plessis’ win wasn’t the only important thing that went down at UFC 305. The card also was host to several key results, including [autotag]Kai Kara-France[/autotag]’s TKO win over [autotag]Steve Erceg[/autotag], [autotag]Dan Hooker[/autotag]’s upset of [autotag]Mateusz Gamrot[/autotag], and many more. We break down all the notable moments outside the UFC 305 main event.
  • UFC 307 has its headlining acts. [autotag]Alex Pereira[/autotag] will be defending his light heavyweight title against [autotag]Khalil Rountree[/autotag] in the main event, and a women’s bantamweight title fight between [autotag]Raquel Pennington[/autotag] and [autotag]Julianna Peña[/autotag] will serve as its co-main event. There’s plenty to digest with those big bout announcements.

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Kai Kara-France calls for UFC title shot vs. Alexandre Pantoja: ‘I feel like I can be the one to take him out’

Kai Kara-France makes his case for getting the next flyweight title shot.

PERTH, Australia – [autotag]Kai Kara-France[/autotag] wants his crack at UFC gold.

Following a successful return to the octagon, Kara-France (25-11 MMA, 8-4 UFC) is hoping his next fight to be against UFC flyweight champion [autotag]Alexandre Pamntoja[/autotag]. 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 a real threat to Pantoja.

“If you break down this fight, I just beat the guy everyone thought should’ve been the champion,” Kara-France told reporters, including MMA Junkie, at the UFC 305 post-fight news conference. “I just beat him in the first round (after) taking time away from the sport, coming back and making a statement with my actions. I heard the UFC wants to bring in this guy from Japan called Kai, but I’m the real Kai.

“This is my home. You can’t just come in and think you can bang with the big dogs. You think you’re good, but it doesn’t work like that. You have to earn it. I’ve been in the company for a while and I’ve fought everyone in this flyweight division, and I’ve told time and time again I’m going to let my actions be my loudest voice. I’m making noise now. Alexandre Pantoja – I know he doesn’t have a fight booked, but I might’ve just leap-frogged into a title shot – that’s how I see it.”

Pantoja has yet to be booked for his next title defense. He most recently competed in May, defeating Erceg at UFC 303 for his second title defense. There have been rumors that UFC newcomer Kai Asakura will get the next shot at Pantoja.

Kara-France thinks December is a good timeframe for his return. Although the two have yet to fight in a professional setting, they do have history. Kara-France and Pantoja fought in an exhibition bout in 2016 on “The Ultimate Fighter.}

“If they want me to fight for the title, I’ll happily wait till December,” Kara-France said. “I want to fight before the end of the year if that aligns and they want to make that happen. You know, me and Pantoja have history. We shared the octagon on Season 24 of ‘The Ultimate Fighter.’ It was only a two-round fight, so couldn’t really showcase all our skills, cutting weight week-in, week-out on that show. I know him. He’s done really well in the UFC and being a champion now, nothing but props. He’s a dog and I love this fight still. I feel like I can be the one to take him out.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 305.

UFC 305 Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay: Dricus Du Plessis top earner for entering as champ

Dricus Du Plessis received a card-high $42,000 in Promotional Guidelines Compliance at UFC 305.

PERTH, Australia – Fighters from Saturday’s UFC 305 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $243,500.

The program, a comprehensive plan that includes outfitting requirements, media obligations and other items under the fighter code of conduct, replaces the previous payments made under the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy.

UFC 305 took place at RAC Arena in Western Australia. The main card aired on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.

The full UFC 305 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:

* * * *

[autotag]Dricus Du Plessis[/autotag]: $42,000
def. [autotag]Israel Adesanya[/autotag]: $32,000

[autotag]Kai Kara-France[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Steve Erceg[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Dan Hooker[/autotag]: $21,000
def. [autotag]Mateusz Gamrot[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Tai Tuivasa[/autotag]: $16,000
def. [autotag]Jairzinho Rozenstruik[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Carlos Prates[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Li Jingliang[/autotag]: $16,000

[autotag]Valter Walker[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Junior Tafa[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Ricardo Ramos[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Josh Culibao[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Casey O’Neill[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Luana Santos[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Jack Jenkins[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Herbert Burns[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Tom Nolan[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Alex Reyes[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Song Kenan[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Ricky Glenn[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Jesus Aguilar[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Stewart Nicoll[/autotag]: $4,000

Under the UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program’s payout tiers, which appropriate the money generated by Venum’s multi-year sponsorship with the UFC, fighters are paid based on their total number of UFC bouts, as well as Zuffa-era WEC fights (January 2007 and later) and Zuffa-era Strikeforce bouts (April 2011 and later). Fighters with 1-3 bouts receive $4,000 per appearance; 4-5 bouts get $4,500; 6-10 bouts get $6,000; 11-15 bouts earn $11,000; 16-20 bouts pocket $16,000; and 21 bouts and more get $21,000. Additionally, champions earn $42,000 while title challengers get $32,000.

In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-30 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.

Full 2024 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:

Year-to-date total: $5,158,000
2023 total: $8,188,000
2022 total: $8,351,500
2021 total: $6,167,500
Program-to-date total: $27,895,000

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 305.

UFC 305 live updates: Results, round-by-round coverage of every fight

Check out live round-by-round updates and official results from UFC 305 in Perth, Australia.

UFC 305 took place Saturday, and MMA Junkie provided live round-by-round coverage and official results. UFC 305 (pay-per-view/ESPN/ESPN+) took place at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.

Middleweight champion [autotag]Dricus Du Plessis[/autotag] (22-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) took on two-time former champ [autotag]Israel Adesanya[/autotag] (24-4 MMA, 13-4 UFC) in what has became a racially charged and deeply personal main event. Recent flyweight title challenger [autotag]Steve Erceg[/autotag] (12-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC) met [autotag]Kai Kara-France[/autotag] (25-11 MMA, 8-4 UFC) in the co-feature.

Below, you can find the results and round-by-round coverage of the event.

***

UFC 305 Results

MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)

  • Dricus Du Plessis def. Israel Adesanya via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 3:38 – to defend middleweight title
  • Kai Kara-France def. Steve Erceg via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:04
  • Dan Hooker def. Mateusz Gamrot via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
  • Jairzinho Rozenstruik def. Tai Tuivasa via split decision (29-28, 27-30, 30-27)
  • Carlos Prates def. Li Jingliang via KO (punch) – Round 2, 4:02

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN2/ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET)

  • Valter Walker def. Junior Tafa via technical submission (heel hook) – Round 1, 4:56
  • Ricardo Ramos def. Josh Culibao via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
  • Casey O’Neill def. Luana Santos via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
  • Jack Jenkins def. Herbert Burns via TKO (leg kicks) – Round 3, 0:48

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET)

  • Tom Nolan def. Alex Reyes via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
  • Song Kenan def. Ricky Glenn via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 29-28)
  • Jesus Aguilar def. Stewart Nicoll via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 2:39

Dricus Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya

Round 1 – Here we go! Leg kick by Du Plessis. It looks like Du Plessis’s gameplan is big on leg kicks. He’s connected a few. Hard leg kick by Adesanya. They trade hard body kicks. Hard leg kick by Adesanya. Du Plessis is bleeding from his forehead. Body kick by Du Plessis. Du Plessis fails on his first takedown attempt. Two minutes left. A left hand connects for Du Plessis as he rushes in. One, two lands for Adesanya. A right hand connects for Du Plessis. Final minute. Uppercut by Adesanya. Leg kick by Du Plessis. Body shot by Adesanya. The bell rings. Close round.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Adesanya.

Round 2 – Hard leg kick by Adesanya. And Du Plessis lands a perfectly timed takedown. Adesanya trying to get up. Du Plessis jumps on the back of Adesanya. Du Plessis goes for a rear-naked choke and loses the position. Back to striking. Good upeprcut by Adesanya, who’s closingin the distance on Du Plessis. Du Plessis lands a takedown! We’re halfway throughthe round. Adesanya back to his feet, but being pressed against the cage. Knees to the legs by Du Plessis. Du Plessis drags Adesanya back down. Final minute. Not much going on. Good shots by Du Plessis, as he presses Adesanya against the cage. Adesanya trying to get Du Plessis off him, but unable to. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Du Plessis.

Round 3 – Adesanya pressing more in this round. Oh! Nasty body shot by Adesanya. Leg kick by Adesanya. Another body shot by Adesanya. It looks like Du Plessis is slowing down a bit. Right hand lands by Du Plessis. Spininng elbow by Adesanya! Og! Big shot by Du Plessis. It looks like Adesanya might be stunnned. Du Plessis shoots and fails on a takedown. Oh! A one, two lands for Du Plessis. Leg kick by Du Plessis. Body shots by Adesanya. Jabs by Adesanya. What a fight we got here. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Adesanya.

Round 4 – Hard leg kick and a jab by Du Plessis. Nice combo by Adesanya! Du Plessis shoots and fails. Adesanya walking down Du Plessis. Body kick and then a two-punch combo by Adesanya. Du Plessis looks tired. Du Plessis is now the one pressuiring. Nice combo lands by Adesanya. Uppercut by Adesanya. Nasty body shots by Adesanya. A big left hook connects clean for Du Plessis. Oh! Big shots by Du Plessis! Adesanya goes down! He gets on the back of Adesanya and sinks in the rear-naked choke! It’s over!

Result: Dricus Du Plessis def. Israel Adesanya via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 3:38 – to defend middleweight title
Recap: Dricus Du Plessis taps Israel Adesanya in thrilling title bout
Photos: Dricus Du Plessis def. Israel Adesanya at UFC 305: Best photos
Records: Du Plessis (22-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC), Adesanya (24-4 MMA, 13-4 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Marc Goddard

Steve Erceg vs. Kai Kara-France

Round 1 – Big swings for Kara-France, but Erceg moves out of the way. Righthand lands for Kara-France. Erceg seems hesitant, has yet to throw much. Jab by Erceg. Leg kick by Erceg. We’re halfway through the round. Counter right lands for Erceg. Erceg is walking down Kara-France, as he figues out his range. One, two by Erceg. Huge left connects for Kara-France and Erceg goes down! Erceg gets back to his feet but gets dropped again. It’s over! What a finish by Kara-France.

Result: Kai Kara-France def. Steve Erceg via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:04
Recap: Kai Kara-France blasts Steve Erceg for first-round TKO
Photos: Kai Kara-France def. Steve Erceg at UFC 305: Best photos
Records: Kara-France (25-11 MMA, 8-4 UFC), Erceg (12-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Rich Mitchell

Mateusz Gamrot vs. Dan Hooker

Round 1 – So far Hooker pressing and stirking, but not lanidng much on Gamrot. Gamrot being cautious. Gamrot opening a little more now. A right hand connects for Gamrot. And Gamrot catches a leg kick and takes down Hooker. Three minutes left. Hooker is bleeding from his left eyebrow. Hooker works his way back up and thet’re back to striking. Oh! Gamrot drops Hokker with a right. He now takes top position with nasty shots. Big shots from Gamrot. Hooker’s face is bloody. He gets back up and back to striking. One minute left. Oh! Hooker drops Gamrot! Gamrot wobbly! Hooker going for the kill! Gamrot is running. He shoots, ties up Hooker, but unable to take him down. Back to striking. The bell rings. Wild round.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Gamrot.

Round 2 – Body kick by Hooker. Hooker pressuirng here. Gamrot shoots for a double and gets it. He moves to side control. Not much damage, but great control by Gamrot. Hooker recovers buttlerfly guard. Hooker moves to the cage and works his way back up. Back to striking with two minutes remaining. Hooker putting pressure on Gamrot. Gamrot shoots and gets the takedown, but a guilloine threat by Hooker forces Gamrot to abandon the position. Gamrot now with a hold of the legs by the cage. Hooker landing some elbows. Gamrot pressing Hooker against the cage. More elbows by Hooker. Hooker gets out. Gamrot shoots and eats a couple of elbows before the bell.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Hooker.

Round 3 – It’s a close fight. Body kick by Hooker. Gamrot catches the kick and takes down Hooker by the cage. Hooker breaks free. A left hook lands by Hooker. Body shots by Hooker. Righthand connects for Gamrot. Again. Three minutes left. Another right lands for Gamrot. One, two by Gamrot. We’re halfway through the round. Stiff jab by Gamrot. Hooker stuffs a takedown from Gamrot. Hooker with a right hand. Very close fight. Gamrot’s left eye is swollen. Gamrot shoots and presses Hooker agaisnt the cage. Hooker breaks free. Hooker going after Gamrot. A right hand connetcs. Gamrot shoots and presses Hooker against the cage. He breaks free. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Gamrot. Overall 29-28, Gamrot.

Result: Dan Hooker def. Mateusz Gamrot via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Recap: Dan Hooker wins gritty split decision over Mateusz Gamrot
Photos: Dan Hooker def. Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305: Best photos
Records: Hooker (24-12 MMA, 14-8 UFC), Gamrot (24-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Jim Perdios
Judging: Ben Cartlidge, Mark Christie 29-28. Mick Meany 28-29.

Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. Tai Tuivasa

Round 1 – Undertsandibly, both guys very tentative. Leg kick by Rozenstruik. Big right connects for Rozenstruik. Tuivasa with a leg kick. Both guys very patient here. A left lands for Rozenstruik. We’re halfway through the round. Jab by Rozenstruik. leg kick by Rozenstruik. Hard leg kick by Tuivasa. Body shot connects for Rozenstruik. Tuivasa staying patient and now pressing Rozenstruik. Final minute. Big swings from both. Very low output so far. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Rozenstruik.

Round 2 – Big swing from Tuivasa. It feels like we’re a second away from a KO for either party. Nice combo by Tuivasa. Oh! Big left by Rozenstruik. Things are heating up. Three minutes left. Nasty right hand and then a knee by Rozenstruik stuns Tuivasa. Tuivasa hurt his leg throwing a kick. Nice combo by Rozenstruik. Rozenstruik going for the kill. Oh! Good counter by Tuivasa. Fun fight. One, two connects for Rozenstruik. Rozenstruik seems to getting a good lead on Tuivasa. The round comes to an end.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Rozenstruik.

Round 3 – Jab by Rozenstruik. Tuivasa now connects with a right hand. Things have cooled down here. Neither throwing much. Perhaps knowing he’s likely down, Tuivasa is presenting more. Leg kick by Tuivasa. Tuivasa is bleeding form his nose. Nice combo by Rozenstruik. Two minutes left. A couple of lefts from Rozenstruik land as Tuivasa looks to close the distance. Final minute. Double jab by Rozenstruik. Uppercut by Rozenstruik! The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Rozenstruik. Overall 30-27, Rozenstruik.

Result: Jairzinho Rozenstruik def. Tai Tuivasa via split decision (29-28, 27-30, 30-27)
Recap: Jairzinho Rozenstruik picks apart Tai Tuivasa, overcomes confusing scorecard
Photos: Jairzinho Rozenstruik def. Tai Tuivasa at UFC 305: Best photos
Records: Rozenstruik (15-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC), Tuivasa (15-8 MMA, 8-8 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Marc Goddard
Judging: Charlie Keech 29-28, David Lethaby 30-27. Howie Booth 27-30.

Li Jingliang vs. Carlos Prates

Round 1 – They trade leg kicks. Again, they trade leg kicks. Both fighters very tentative so far. More leg kicks from both. Prates so far is the one doing most of the pressuring. Nice left hand connects for Prates. Another one. Prates starting to let go of his hands. Jab by Prates. Jingliang havinga tough time connecting. One minute left. Big left lands for Prates. Two hard leg kicks connect for Jingliang. Oh! Jingliang is brieafly wobbled. Oh! Big left by Prates! Jingliang is wobbly. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Prates.

Round 2 – Two consecutive leg kicks by Jingliang. A much better round for Jingliang, but Prates still looks to be ahead in the striking. Tons of leg kicks being traded between the two. Hard left connects for Prates. Jab by Prates. Nasty knee to the body by Prates. Jingliang ties up Prates and pins him against the cage. We’re halfway through the round. Hard shots by Prates. What a cin on Jingliang. Oh! Prates drops Jingliang! He let’s him back up. Two lefts connect for Prates! Oh! A thrid send him down! What a KO! Prates is first man to KO Jingliang!

Result: Carlos Prates def. Li Jingliang via KO (punch) – Round 2, 4:02
Recap: Birthday boy Carlos Prates lands vicious walkoff knockout on Li Jingliang
Photos: Carlos Prates def. Li Jingliang at UFC 305: Best photos
Records: Prates (20-6 MMA, 3-0 UFC), Jingliang (19-9 MMA, 11-7 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Matt Wynne

Junior Tafa vs. Valter Walker

Round 1 – Big leg kick by Walker. Walker staying on the outside and Tafa on the inside. Big shots from Tafa! Walker closes the distance and gets the takedown! Walker drags him back down, as Tafa stands up briefly. A couple of warnnings for grabbing the fence are issues to Tafa. Walker working from halfguard. Not much damage here, but Walker staying busy enough to avoid a standup. Two minutes left. Walker now in the guard. Some ground-and-pound here and there by Walker. Walker goes for a leg kock! He verbally taps! It’s over.

Result: Valter Walker def. Junior Tafa via technical submission (heel hook) – Round 1, 4:56
Recap: Junior Tafa slaps Valter Walker after verbal submission ends fight
Photos: Valter Walker def. Junior Tafa at UFC 305: Best photos
Records: Walker (12-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC), Tafa (5-3 MMA, 1-3 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Steeve Perceval

Josh Culibao vs. Ricardo Ramos

Round 1 -They trade leg kicks. Culibao is staying light on the outside, while Ramos presses. Good exchanges from both fighters. Big leg kick by Culibaogets Ramos limping. They get into a scramble and Ramos ends up taking Culibao’s back. We’re halfway through the round. Not much damage here, but Ramos looking to set up a rear-naked choke. Ramos goes for it! It loks tight! Culibao with insane defense, he gets out of it. Ramos is still in control. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Ramos.

Round 2 – Big leg kick by Culibao. Again and again. Culibao is targeting the legs. Ramos with his own leg kick. Ramos’ movement seems heavyly compromised. Ramos pushing the action here. Big right hand connects for Culibao and then a leg kick. Another leg kick. Ramos goes down in pain! Culibao is just kciking his legs. Culibao looming over landing some shots here and there. We’re halfway through the round. Ramos still on the ground  with Culibao standing over him. Ramos gets back up. Ramos is in trouble. Culibao is taunting him. The fight is paused after an accidental eyepoke from Ramos. The fight resumes. Leg kick from Ramos. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Culibao.

Round 3 – Ramos looks to be a little more stable in this round. Still, Culibao getting the better of the striking. Big leg kick by Culibao followed by a one, two. Credit to Ramos, he’s still trying to win the round despite getting battered in the second. Good one, two by Ramos. Good left hook by Culibao. We’re halfway through the round. Big left connects for Ramos and Culibao lands a leg kick. Culibao is cut on his eyebrow. Ramos takes down Culibao and immediately gets his back. Culibao gets out, but Ramos working from top half guard. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Ramos. Overall 29-28, Ramos.

Result: Ricardo Ramos def. Josh Culibao via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Photos: Ricardo Ramos def. Josh Culibao at UFC 305: Best photos
Records: Ramos (17-6 MMA, 8-5 UFC), Culibao (11-4-1 MMA, 3-4-1 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Matt Wynne
Judging: Mark Christie, Mick Meany 29-28. Ben Cartlidge 28-29.

Casey O’Neill vs. Luana Santos

Round 1 – Big leg kick by O’Neill. So far, O’Neill doing most of the pressing. Body kick by Santos. They gets into a scrmable and Santos ends up pressing O’Neill against the cage. Santos working for the takedown and controlling O’Neill against the cage. We’re halfway through the round. O’Neill breaks free. Leg kick by O’Neill. A right hand connects for Santos. Leg kick by O’Neill. Front kick to the body by Santos. Good combo by O’Neill. One, two by O’Neill. Good right hand by Santos.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, O’Neill.

Round 2 – Santos catches a kick from O’Neill and takes down O’Neill. O’Neill works her way back to her feet, but is being controlled agaisnt the cage. Good control here by Santos. O’Neill breaks free. Big right hand connects for Santos. A couple of leg kicks from O’Neill. Good counter by O’Neill. We’re halfway through the round. O’Neill presses Santos against the cage. Santos breaks free. Good combo by O’Neill. Jab by O’Neill. O’Neill walking down Santos here. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scroes the round 10-9, O’Neill.

Round 3 – It looks like Santos needs a finish here. Santos is a bit more agressive, but O’Neill is countering well. Nice combo by O’Neill. O’Neill clearly getting the better for the striking here with more damage and volume. A big right hand lands for Santos. We’re halfway through the round. Santos goes for a head an arm throw and O’Neill counters it and gets her back. O’Neill gets the body triangle. Good control here by O’Neill, but no damage. O’Neill keeps control of the back until the bell.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, O’Neill. Overall 30-27, O’Neill.

Result: Casey O’Neill def. Luana Santos via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
Photos: Casey O’Neill def. Luana Santos at UFC 305: Best photos
Records: O’Neill (10-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC), Santos (8-2 MMA, 3-3 UFC)
Division: Women’s flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Rich Mitchell
Judging: Evan Field 30-26. Charlie Keech, David Lethaby 30-27.

Herbert Burns vs. Jack Jenkins

Round 1 – They both trade leg kicks. Body kick by Burns. A stiff jab lands for Jenkins, followed by a clean combo. A big left lands for Jenkins. Jenkins pressing the action here. Jenkins with some nasty shots here. Burns is feeling it. Jab by Jenkins. He’s on point tonight. Jab then left hook by Jenkins. We’re halfway through the round. A hard left connects for Jenkins. Another one! Burns shoots and pulls guard. Jenkins doesn’t follow him, and the referee stands them up. Nasty combo by Jenkins! Burns is getting battered. Burns shoots and gets the takedown! The crowd boos immediately. Burns working from half guard. No damage here from Burns. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Jenkins.

Round 2 – Burns looks to close the distance immediately. He shoots, fails, and tries to pull guard. Jenkins lets him back up. They trade jabs. Leg kick by Burns. Burns shoots and gets the takedown! He’s working from guard. He moves to half guard. Burns threatens with an arm-triangle, but Jenkins gets out. Heel hook attempt by Burns! Jenkins gets out, and now he’s on standing over, kicking his legs. They stand them up. Burns shoots and pulls guard. Some shots here and there. Jenkins gets up and the fight is restearted on the feet. Oh! Nasty combo by Jenkins drops Burns. Jenkins now on top in guard. Jenkins gets up and looms over Burns. They stand them up. Leg kick by Jenkins. Burns’s leg is hurt. Calf kick buckels Burns. Burns falls to his back and the bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Jenkins.

Round 3 – Hard leg kick by Burns. A accidental low blow from Burns halts the action. After a few seconds, the fight resumes. Oh! A leg kick drops Burns. Jenkins all over him with ground-and-pound. Jenkins disengages and Burns is unable to get back up. The fight is over.

Result: Jack Jenkins def. Herbert Burns via TKO (leg kicks) – Round 3, 0:48
Recap: Fight waved after Herbert Burns can’t get up from Jack Jenkins barrage
Photos: Jack Jenkins def. Herbert Burns at UFC 305: Best photos
Records: Jenkins (13-3 MMA, 3-1 UFC), Burns (11-6 MMA, 2-4 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Marc Goddard

Tom Nolan vs. Alex Reyes

Round 1 – Body kick lands for Reyes. Leg kick, one two lands for Reyes. Spinning wheel kick partially connects for Nolan. Nolan pressuring and putting on the pace here. Reyes gets the takedown! Nolan gets back up, but is being controlled against the fence. Nolan escapes. We’re halfway through the round. Reyes presses Nolan against the cage once again. Not for long, Nolan breaks free and goes back to pressuring Reyes. Good combo by Nolan. Wild exchange here, and Reyes catches Nolan! Nolan eats it well, but Reyes clearly caught his attention. Reyes attempts a takedown and comes up short. Reyes knocks down Nolan off balance, Nolan tries to go for a takedown and eats an accidental, but illegal knee from Reyes. It didn’t seem it had too much impact. The right resumes a few seconds later. Flying knee partially connects for Nolan. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Nolan.

Round 2 – They come out guns blazing! Again, Nolan walking down and pressing Reyes. A left drops Reyes! Reyes back up and Nolan is head-hunting now! A jab and then a left connects clean for Nolan. We’re halfway through the round. Reyes presses Nolan against the cage. Just controlling here, not much damage being done. Nolan breaks free. Reyes is bleeding from his nose. Right hand lands for Reyes. Big exchange here from both! The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Nolan.

Round 3 – It looks like Reyes needs a finish here. They both trade body kicks. Good right hook by Reyes. Same dynamic as previous rounds, Nolan presses and Reyes backs up and counters. Good bocy shot by Reyes. The striking seems much even here. Reyes goes for a takedown and Nolan snatches a D’Arce choke! Reyes gets out and presses Nolan against the cage. Two minutes left. Reyes controlling, but not much damage. They trade shots. One minute left. Knees to the legs by Reyes. They brawl it out in the final seconds. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Nolan. Overall 30-27, Nolan.

Result: Tom Nolan def. Alex Reyes via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Photos:
Records: Nolan (7-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC), Reyes (13-4 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Rich Mitchell
Judging: Charlie Keech, David Lethaby 30-27. Mick Meany 29-28.

Ricky Glenn vs. Song Kenan

Round 1 – Solid right by Glenn sits down Kenan. Kenan gets back to his feet, but Glenn with crazy pressure here. Glenn clinches and presses Kenan against the cage. They keep reversing each other, but Glenn getting the better of the control against the cage. Good knee to the body by Glenn. We’re halfway through the round. Kenan breaks free and gets the fight back to striking. Good combos here by Kenan. Oh! Kenan tags Glenn! Glenn is a bit wobbly, but responding well. More shots by Kenan! Kenan eases on the attack. Glenn attemps a takedown, fails, but presses Kenan against the cage. Glenn gets the takedown. Knees by Glenn. Kenan back up, but being controlled against the cage. Final minute. Glenn struggling to get the takedown. Kenan breaks free from the clinch. Nice uppercut by Kenan! Clean combo connects for Kenan right as the bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Kenan.

Round 2 – They trade body kicks. Glenn tries a takedown, but fails. Oh! Big right by Kenan! Glenn bleeding from his elbow. Kenan doing a good amount of damage here. Glenn closes the distance and presses Kenan against the cage. Not for long though, Kenan breaks free. One, two by Kenan. Clean straight left by Glenn. Kenan clearly landing the better shots this round. Glenn having a tough time initiating the grappling. A huge hematoma has formed on the right side of the head of Glenn. Both fighters look tired. Another failed takedown attempt by Glenn. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Kenan.

Round 3 – Glenn goes for a takedown immediately and eats a knee from Kenan. Kenan hits a judo throw and takes down Glenn. Glenn works his way back to his feet. Big elbow by Kenan. Glenn looks exhausted. Left hand connects for Glenn, but Kenan answers with a combo. Glenn presses Kenan against the cage. Kenan breaks out a few seconds later. Glenn is bleeding from both his cheek bones. Big right by Kenan. The fight has slowed down a ton. Good elbow by Kenan. Kenan in full control of the striking right now. An accidental eye poke from Kenan halts the atcion. It resumes a minute later. They clinch and Kenan connects with solid knees and punches. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Kenan. Overall 30-27, Kenan.

Result: Song Kenan def. Ricky Glenn via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 29-28)
Photos: Song Kenan def. Ricky Glenn at UFC 305: Best photos
Records: Kenan (22-8 MMA, 6-4 UFC), Glenn (22-9-2 MMA, 4-6-1 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Jim Perdios
Judging: Howie Booth 29-28, Mark Christie 30-26, Evan Field 30-27.

Jesus Aguilar vs. Stewart Nicoll

Round 1 – Right hand connects for Aguilar! They clinch and Nicoll takes the fight to the ground using a kimura! He transitions to Aguilar’s back and lands some ground-and-pound from top. Aguilar escapes, but still in bottom in half guard. They get into a crazy scramble, Aguilar gets back up and jumps for a guillotine choke! It looks tight! He’s out! Big win by Aguilar!

Result: Jesus Aguilar def. Stewart Nicoll via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 2:39
Recap: Jesus Aguilar choke causes Stewart Nicoll’s eyes to roll back
Photos: Jesus Aguilar def. Stewart Nicoll at UFC 305: Best photos
Records: Aguilar (11-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC), Nicoll (8-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Steve Perceval

UFC 305 predictions

What time does UFC 305 start tonight?

UFC 305 kicks off with early prelims at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+. That’s 6:30 a.m. Sunday in Perth. Four prelims air on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET, followed by the main card on pay-per-view (via ESPN+) at 10 p.m. ET.

Dricus Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya fight odds

  • BetMGM: Du Plessis -105, Adesanya -115
  • DraftKings: Du Plessis -102, Adesanya -118
  • FanDuel: Du Plessis -102, Adesanya -116

Kai Kara-France vs. Steve Erceg odds

  • BetMGM: Kara-France +155, Erceg -190
  • DraftKings: Kara-France +150, Erceg -180
  • FanDuel: Kara-France +156, Erceg -186

How to watch UFC 305

The UFC 304 early prelims will stream live on ESPN+ at 6:30 p.m. ET. Another set of prelims begin at 8 p.m. ET, which will air on ESPN and stream on ESPN+. The pay-per-view main cards kicks off at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

UFC 305 PPV price

UFC 305 will cost ESPN+ subscribers $79.99. If you’re a new subscriber, you have the option of bundling UFC 305 in with the cost of an annual subscription at a 30 percent discounted price, bringing your total to $134.98.

UFC 305 results: Kai Kara-France blasts Steve Erceg for first-round TKO

The UFC 305 co-main event ended in the first round.

[autotag]Kai Kara-France[/autotag] has thrown his name right back in the hat.

In a pivotal flyweight co-main event Saturday at UFC 305, Kara-France (24-11 MMA, 7-4 UFC) dusted [autotag]Steve Erceg[/autotag] (12-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC) and finished the fight with punches at 4:04 of Round 1. The bout took place at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.

The finishing sequence began when Kara-France knocked down Erceg with a left hand. Erceg crashed to the canvas, flat on his back, with his head whiplashing backward. Erceg proved tougher than that, however, as he survived and got back to his feet.

Kara-France didn’t take his foot off the gas and continued to hunt Erceg, who he dropped again. This time, Erceg curled up on his stomach and the fight was stopped.

[lawrence-related id=2763091,2763854]

The fight was Kara-France’s first since a controversial split decision loss to Amir Albazi in June 2023. He revealed prior to the fight that his time away from competition was due to concussion issues. The wait proved smart, as Kara-France snaps a two-fight skid and reaffirms his place among the elite of the division.

Erceg loses in his first fight after a title challenge loss against Alexandre Pantoja in May. Erceg lost by unanimous decision, but gained the respect of many for his success in the fight.

Up-to-the-minute UFC 305 results include:

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 305.