Israel Adesanya likes Kai Kara-France’s chances of unseating Alexandre Pantoja from the flyweight throne at UFC 317.
Adesanya is in Las Vegas this week to support his teammate, as Kara-France challenges Pantoja for the flyweight title in the co-main event of Saturday’s UFC 317 pay-per-view.
Pantoja will enter as a heavy favorite, having defended the belt successfully three times since winning it from Brandon Moreno in their memorable 2023 barnburner.
Last time out, Pantoja choked out Kai Asakura at UFC 310. But Adesanya insists such a finish won’t be on the cards for the champ on June 28.
Israel Adesanya ‘guarantees’ Alexandre Pantoja won’t be able to take Kai Kara-France down
Adesanya recently previewed the UFC 317 PPV in a video uploaded to his FREESTYLEBENDER YouTube channel.
‘The Last Stylebender’ acknowledged Pantoja’s impressive reign and skillset but said Kara-France has simply grown too much as a fighter to be denied his moment at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.
“I know Kai is ready,” Adesanya said. “I’m ready to watch him get crowned. … It’s just his moment to shine.
“When it comes to the fight, they fought each other on The Ultimate Fighter eight years ago. Kai came up short…(but) he’s learned from that. He’s been at the top now, the top of the heap.
“I just feel like Kai’s got it, man,” Adesanya added. “I’m going for a round two KO, Kai. From what I see them working on…I’m not in the camp, but I be looking at his padwork and asking Eugene (Bareman) questions.
“Pantoja is just tough, he’s durable…(but) you’re not gonna out-scramble Kai. Kai will f—— win the scrambles in this fight. I guarantee you, every f—— scramble, Kai will win. Submitting Kai is not going to happen.”
Israel Adesanya entered the UFC Hall of Fame days out from teammate’s title challenge
It wasn’t just Kara-France’s upcoming chance at championship glory that brought members of the City Kickboxing gym over to Las Vegas.
Thursday night also saw Adesanya, a former two-time middleweight champion, inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. ‘The Last Stylebender’ entered the Fight Wing after he played his part in one of the greatest title showdowns ever.
Adesanya’s war with Kelvin Gastelum took place at UFC 236 in February 2019 and culminated with the Nigerian-New Zealander taking home the interim title at 185 pounds.
The induction of that fight likely won’t be the only time Adesanya appears on the UFC Hall of Fame stage, with his illustrious and ongoing career expected to net him a spot in the Modern Wing down the line.