[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.
KAI KARA-FRANCE KNOCKS OUT STEVE ERCEG IN THE FIRST ROUND 😱 #UFC305 pic.twitter.com/L1D9QQgeo2
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 18, 2024
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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:
- 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 knockout (punch) – Round 2, 4:05
- 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 (referee stoppage) – Round 3, 0:48
- 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 technical submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 2:39
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 305.