Setting the Stage for a Historic Fight

The Ultimate Fighter 24 brought together some of the most talented flyweight fighters, and one of the standout bouts featured Alexandre Pantoja facing off against Kai Kara-France. This fight, showcased in a video on the UFC channel, offers a glimpse into the early careers of two fighters who would later become significant names in the UFC flyweight division. Their encounter on the reality series was a pivotal moment, setting the tone for their future rivalry, which would culminate in a title fight at UFC 317.

Round One: Pantoja's Aggressive Start

From the opening bell, Pantoja displayed his aggressive style, quickly closing the distance and pushing Kara-France against the cage. Around the 0:45 mark, Pantoja secured a takedown, showcasing his grappling prowess. He maintained dominant positioning, working for submissions while landing precise strikes. Kara-France struggled to escape the pressure, defending against submission attempts but unable to mount significant offense in the first round. Pantoja's control was evident, as he dictated the pace and location of the fight with relentless energy.

Round Two: Kara-France Fights Back

In the second round, Kara-France showed resilience, managing to keep the fight standing for longer periods. At approximately the 3:10 timestamp, he landed a series of sharp strikes, demonstrating his striking accuracy and power. However, Pantoja responded with another takedown, reasserting his dominance on the ground. The Brazilian fighter continued to hunt for submissions, nearly locking in a choke before Kara-France escaped. Despite Kara-France's efforts to turn the tide, Pantoja's grappling remained a significant challenge throughout the round.

Final Moments and Outcome

As the fight progressed into the later stages, fatigue became a factor, but Pantoja's determination did not waver. Near the 6:30 point in the video, he secured a critical position on Kara-France's back, working methodically for a rear-naked choke. Kara-France defended valiantly, but Pantoja's persistence paid off as he tightened the hold, forcing the tap-out. This victory in The Ultimate Fighter 24 quarterfinals marked a significant milestone for Pantoja, highlighting his potential as a future champion in the UFC flyweight division.