Brandon Moreno stops Kai Kara-France to win UFC flyweight title

UFC 277: Brandon Moreno defeats Kai Kara-France.

Brandon Moreno def. 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 exactly, I love this kick. I’ve been working on those kicks all camp. I’m working on becoming a full mixed martial artist. It’s great, I can get this (championship) again. Where’s Deiveson (Figueiredo)?” Moreno said in his post-fight interview.

After being called out by Moreno during the interview, Figueiredo got out of his side of the cage and headed into the Octagon. Moreno suggested the two fighters fight for a fourth time in December.

“This guy here (Moreno) is her champion. This is his night. They’ll learn to respect these boos. I want to take this fight home, I want to take it to Brazil. I have fought in your house many times,” Figueiredo said

UFC 277: Brandon Moreno vs. Kai Kara-France: Round Recap

The first lap started with Kara-France taking the center of the octagon and Moreno working on the outside. The two fighters traded punches before a low kick from Kara-France landed squarely on Moreno’s groin. After 30 seconds, Moreno was ready to fight. Kara-France landed a leg kick to Moreno’s leading leg. Kara-France landed a right hand that assisted Moreno, who switched levels and went for a takedown. With the fence as a support, Kara-France was able to defend the takedown. The two fighters traded strikes for the remainder of the round, with Moreno seemingly coming out on top in most matches.

Kara-France opened the second round with two leg kicks. Moreno ducked under a head kick and went for another takedown. Moreno drove Kara-France into the fence, forcing his opponent to one knee before Kara-France could escape. The two fighters traded leg kicks and punches. Kara-France landed a good left hook. Moreno took the fight further to Kara-France.

Kara-France ran over the octagon and landed an inside leg kick. Kara-France knocked Moreno off his feet with a swing. Moreno had a dangerous guard but was cut under his right eye by an elbow from Kara-France. After a pause, Kara-France landed some heavy shots. Moreno immediately came back and applied pressure, landing a combination right hand and leg kick. Kara-France continued to land leg kicks. Moreno landed a powerful leg kick and a combination. Moreno landed a body kick and continued to apply intense pressure. Kara-France went for a takedown but Moreno landed a spin back fist. Moreno landed a left hand and body kick that dropped Kara-France. Moreno jumped to the top and reigned 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 after losing to Moreno and picked up two Performance of the Night bonuses for knockouts from Cody Garbrandt and Rogerio Bontorin.

Flyweight Champion Figueiredo sat on the Octagon side for the fight. Figueiredo was violently booed when he was shown to the crowd. Moreno and Figueiredo fight for the fourth time. The first bout ended in a draw, with the fighters splitting the other two bouts.

UFC 277: Julianna Peña vs. Amanda Nunes takes place live from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX on Saturday, July 30, 2022. Follow FanSided MMA for all your news and highlights.