Pantoja vs. Kara-France Set for UFC 317 Flyweight Title Fight

Las Vegas, Nevada – The next UFC flyweight championship fight has been scheduled. On June 28, at T-Mobile Arena, Alexandre Pantoja will defend his title against challenger Kai Kara-France at UFC 317. UFC CEO Dana White announced the news on Tuesday via Instagram.

This matchup marks the second time the two fighters will meet. Pantoja (29-5 MMA, 13-3 UFC) previously defeated Kara-France (25-11 MMA, 8-4 UFC) by unanimous decision during a two-round exhibition on Season 24 of “The Ultimate Fighter.” This upcoming fight is significant, as it is a five-round bout for the UFC flyweight championship.

Pantoja, 34, is looking for his fourth title defense. After winning the flyweight title at UFC 290, he has successfully defended it against Brandon Royval, Steve Erceg, and Kai Asakura. Meanwhile, Kara-France, 31, seeks to secure his first UFC title. His last attempt was at UFC 277, where he faced Brandon Moreno for the vacant interim title but lost in the third round.

Kara-France’s journey back to title contention was marked by a recent win, where he scored a first-round knockout against a recent title challenger. This victory solidifies his status as a top contender in the flyweight division and sets the stage for a highly anticipated rematch.

Along with Pantoja vs. Kara-France, UFC 317 will also feature a lightweight championship fight between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira. The event takes place during International Fight Week, adding excitement for fans.

First meeting and title implications make this rematch crucial for both fighters. Fight fans eagerly await an intense showdown on June 28 in Las Vegas.