Champion Alexandre Pantoja reportedly set to co-headline UFC 314 in TUF rematch

According to a report, Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Kara-France will be the UFC 314 co-main event.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Alexandre Pantoja may already have his next title defense booked.

Pantoja vs. Kai Kara-France Reported For UFC 314

UFC Flyweight Champion Pantoja defended the belt for a third time against an unlikely challenger in Kai Asakura, submitting the RIZIN Champion in a round in December. "The Cannibal" is apparently back for seconds - according to a report from Australian MMA reporter Benny P, Pantoja will co-headline UFC 314 on Apr. 12 in Miami, Florida.

Pantoja's next opponent is expected to be #4 UFC flyweight contender Kai Kara-France, a rematch from a 2016 exhibition fight on The Ultimate Fighter 24 which Pantoja won.

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Both Pantoja and Kara-France went on to fight for titles after their time on The Ultimate Fighter, Kara-France coming up short against Brandon Moreno for the interim belt in 2022 and Pantoja dethroning Moreno a year after to being his current title reign.

Kara-France launched himself back into the title picture with an impressive first-round KO win over Steve Erceg, the man who took Pantoja to the absolute brink in a 2024 title defense.

The top-ranked Kiwi has shined bright time in and time out. He became the first fighter to defeat the 14-0 Askar Askarov in 2022, and Kara-France also stopped former champ Cody Garbrandt in the latter's flyweight debut.

Kai Kara-France previously fought for the interim UFC flyweight belt.
Kai Kara-France previously fought for the interim UFC flyweight belt. / Barbara Perenic/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Brazil's Pantoja has essentially cleaned out the flyweight division with 10 wins (including exhibition) over the Top 15. Win or lose against Kara-France, Pantoja's legacy is secured right next to Demetrious Johnson for the second-best run at 125lbs and one of the better careers we've seen in the UFC.

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Alexandre Pantoja has already bested some of the biggest names in the UFC flyweight division.
Alexandre Pantoja has already bested some of the biggest names in the UFC flyweight division. / Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

As of this writing, the UFC has not officially announced Pantoja vs. Kara-France, nor have they announced the main event of UFC 314.

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Christopher De Santiago
CHRISTOPHER DE SANTIAGO

Christopher De Santiago is a 22 year-old journalist from Gainesville, Texas with years of experience covering MMA.