Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France at UFC 317, Eyes Joshua Van Next

Alexandre Pantoja made another statement at UFC 317, submitting Kai Kara-France in the third round of a dominant flyweight title defense. From the first takedown to the final choke, Pantoja showed why he’s still the man to beat at 125.

He baited Kara-France into exchanges early, then effortlessly switched levels for a clean takedown. The champion’s top control was surgical — threatening chokes, holding back control, and racking up over four minutes of ground time in Round 1 alone. Round 2 brought more suffocating pressure and positional control, while Round 3 sealed the deal with a rear-naked choke.

It’s another notch on the belt for Pantoja, who’s now defended the title against a who’s-who of the division: Brandon Royval at UFC 296, Steve Erceg at UFC 301, and Kai Asakura at UFC 310. He originally captured gold by edging out Brandon Moreno in a five-round classic at UFC 290.

Next up? All signs point to Joshua Van. After a breakout run capped by Kara-France’s KO of Erceg at UFC 305, Van is considered the most dangerous rising name in the UFC flyweight division. And Pantoja’s ready.

“I’ve faced the best,” Pantoja said backstage. “If he’s next, let’s go. But I’m not slowing down.”

With another finish on his resume and contenders lining up, Pantoja’s reign continues — and his case as one of MMA’s most complete champions only gets stronger.