Alexandre Pantoja has removed almost a decade from the last meeting.
Emanating from the familiar range of T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, “The Cannibal” will face his flyweight world title against Kara-France at the UFC 317 Co-Main event at International Fight Week on Saturday, June 28th.
This is the second meeting between two 125-pound stars, and will first appear in 2016 with the Ultimate Fighter 24. Pantoja then recorded an unanimous decision over Kara France. Of course, a lot has changed since then. Don’t Blink’ won with Rogerio Bontlin, Cody Garbrandt and Steve Elseg.
In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Pantoja shared his excitement with Kara-France and again with slow hands, comparing his strength to being one of the greatest heavyweight boxing champions of all time.
“I have the opportunity to deal with Kai Kara France again,” Pantoja said. “He’s a guy with powerful hands. I feel Kai Kara France is like Mike Tyson. I feel I’m going to fight someone who can defeat me. It gives a lot of tension about his hands.
“It’s a good challenge. It takes a challenge to train. I’ve been a professional fighter for nearly 20 years. I love this vibe. I love what I mean, I’m myself now.
Alexandre Pantoja has a four-year victory streak on the line at UFC 317.
Pantoja will enter his fourth flyweight title defense on a seven-game winning streak, including a quartet of right-out performances against Brandon Moreno, Brandon Roybal, Steve Elseg and Asakusa.
Will “The Cannibal” be two in Kara-France and add another successful defense to his resume, or will he appear in his moniker in “Sin City” and “blink” that will make history?