Kara-france in spectacular knockout win
Kiwi flyweight contender Kai KaraFrance delivered his first UFC stoppage win in a dramatic comeback victory at UFC 259.
In a crucial win for his career, KaraFrance completed a walk-off knockout over Rogeio Bontorin in Las Vegas yesterday after being dominated for all but the final 20 seconds of the opening round.
Kara-france dedicated the stunning knockout victory to his son, Cobi, who was born last month.
‘‘I love you bro,’’ he said to his son in a post-fight interview.
Kara-france spent around three minutes on his back desperately trying to avoid a submission before finally fighting his way back to his feet.
In the fight commentary, UFC great Daniel Cormier called the fight as being as good as over twice as Bontorin had Kara-france’s back with his arms around his neck.
But Kara-france refused to give in.
He finally made it back to his feet and landed three right hands to complete an incredible come-from-behind victory.
The fight ended in bizarre circumstances with Kara-france walking off following the knockout blow but referee Herb Dean didn’t call the fight as being as over.
Bontorin tried to get to his feet but was clearly concussed and when KaraFrance went in to finish the job Dean finally waved the fight off.
Bontorin protested the result and appeared to throw his mouthguard at Kara-france, but the Brazilian was clearly in no position to continue.
Earlier, Carlos Ulberg’s muchanticipated UFC debut ended abruptly with a knockout loss.
■ For coverage of Israel Adesanya’s title fight, go to stuff.co.nz