The co-main event for UFC 305 was Kai Kara France vs Steve Erceg. In recent times Kai has had a rough go of things being on a 2 fight losing streak. Kai was finished by former champion Brandon Moreno with a body kick in a close fight. Kai also lost a controversial decision to Amir Albazi a fight which many believe he won. And after this had to pull out of a scheduled fight against Manel Kape with injury. However, Kai is still a top fighter and is fun to watch with his power shot heavy style.
Steve Erceg has also had it rough although not as badly as Kai. Erceg comes off a defeat to current champion Alejandro Pantoja. Erceg performed excellently against Pantoja and massively exceeded expectations considering he was ranked 10 around that time. The fight against Pantoja was close and arguably Erceg won but he threw away away the last round by going for a bizarre takedown attempt. Erceg has very good boxing and looks to make his way back to the title which only just missed his grasp.
Kai Kara France Obliterates Steve Erceg In First Round at UFC 305
To start with both fighters were a little cautious Erceg unwilling to commit to shots looking to find his range. However, as the round went on Kai on few occasions made attempts to blitz Erceg with Erceg narrowly avoiding big shots. Erceg then began exchnaging landing a 1-2 and an uppercut however as he was backing up Kai caught him with a big overhand left. This dropped Erceg badly who got up and then was dropped again by a right hand. This led to the fight being stopped and Kai being awarded a round 1 KO.
This victory is huge for Kai Kara France breaking his losing streak and securing a great win. Not only was the manner of the win great the opponent who it was against also great. Erceg gave Pantoja his toughest title defence to date and Kai beating him in such a way makes him a real stand out. Kai may even get a title shot off of this win and not many would argue with it.
The UFC could potentially rebook the Kape, Perez, Albazi fights if they wanted Kai to be on a longer win streak. However, both Perez and Kape are coming off losses. The Albazi rematch could make sense but many think Kai beat Albazi anyway. Either way Kai Kara France is an excellent position and put himself in the title picture.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
