UFC 277: Brandon Moreno defeated Kai Kara-France.
Brandon Moreno defeated Kai Kara-France via TKO (strikes), Round 4 – 4:34 at UFC 277 on Saturday, July 30, 2022, live from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX.
“What precise, I love that kick. I’ve been working on those kicks all training camp. I’m working to be a complete mixed martial artist. It’s great, I can grab this (championship) again. Where is Deiveson (Figueiredo)?” said Moreno in his post-fight interview.
After being called out in the interview by Moreno, Figueiredo got out of his cage side and made his way into the Octagon. Moreno suggested that the two fighters should fight for the fourth time in December.
“This guy right here (Moreno) is their champion. This is his night. These boos right here, they are going to learn to respect. I want to take this fight home, I want to take it to Brazil. I have fought in your home many times,” said Figueiredo
UFC 277: Brandon Moreno vs. Kai Kara-France: Round-by-round recap
The first round started with Kara-France taking the middle of the Octagon and Moreno working on the outside. The two fighters traded strikes before a low kick from Kara-France landed square on Moreno’s groin. After 30 seconds, Moreno was ready to fight. Kara-France landed a leg kick to the lead leg of Moreno. Kara-France landed a right hand that backed up Moreno, who changed levels and went for a takedown. Using the fence as support, Kara-France was able to defend the takedown. The two fighters traded strikes for the remainder of the round with Moreno appearing to gain the edge in the majority of exchanges.
Kara-France opened the second round with a pair of leg kicks. Moreno dipped under a head kick and went for another takedown. Moreno drove Kara-France into the fence, bringing his opponent down to one knee before Kara-France was able to escape. The two fighters traded leg kicks and strikes. Kara-France landed a good left hook. Moreno continued to bring the fight to Kara-France.
Kara-France ran across the Octagon and landed an inside leg kick. Kara-France used a sweep to take Moreno off of his feet. Moreno had a dangerous guard but was cut under his right eye from a slashing elbow from Kara-France. Following a break, Kara-France landed a few heavy shots. Moreno came right back and applied the pressure, landing a right hand and leg kick combination. Kara-France continued to land leg kicks. Moreno landed a powerful leg kick and a combination. Moreno landed a kick to the body and continued to apply heavy pressure. Kara-France went for a takedown but Moreno landed a spinning back fist. Moreno landed a left hand and a body kick that dropped Kara-France. Moreno jumped on top and reigned down a handful of punches until referee Herb Dean stopped the fight.
Moreno and Kara-France first fought at UFC 245, with Moreno, the former flyweight champion, winning by decision. Kara-France won his three fights following the loss to Moreno, picking up two performance of the night bonuses for knockouts of Cody Garbrandt and Rogerio Bontorin.
Flyweight champion Figueiredo was sitting Octagon side for the fight. Figueiredo was booed heavily when shown to the crowd. Moreno and Figueiredo will fight for the fourth time. The first fight ended in a draw, with the fighters splitting the other two fights.