The UFC heads to RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, for UFC 305 on Saturday, August 17, 2024. The co-main event of the evening will feature a flyweight showdown between former interim title challenger Kai Kara-France and rising contender Steve Erceg.
This matchup promises to be an exciting clash of styles, with both fighters looking to solidify their positions in the UFC’s 125-pound division.
Fight Information
- Event: UFC 305 Co-Main Event
- Date: Saturday, August 17, 2024
- Location: RAC Arena, Perth, Australia
- Time: Early Prelims (6:30 p.m. ET), Prelims (8:00 p.m. ET), Main Card (10:00 p.m. ET)
- How to Watch: Early Prelims (ESPN+), Prelims (ESPN), Main Card (ESPN+ PPV)
Head To Head
Head To Head Fighter Statistics:
| Kai Kara-France | Statistic | Steve Erceg |
| 24-11-0 | Record | 12-2-0 |
| 5' 4" | Height | 5' 8" |
| 125 lbs | Weight | 125 lbs |
| 69" | Reach | 68" |
| Orthodox | Stance | Orthodox |
| 4.57 | Sig Strk LPM | 4.52 |
| 43.97 | Sig Strk Acc | 53.04 |
| 0.63 | Takedown Average | 1.24 |
| 33.33 | Takedown Accuracy | 26.32 |
| 0.00 | Submission Average | 0.50 |
Fighter Backgrounds
Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France (24-11-0-1) enters this bout as the No. 4 ranked fighter in the UFC flyweight rankings. Despite being on a two-fight losing streak, Kara-France remains a dangerous competitor in the division. His most recent bout ended in a split decision loss to Amir Albazi in June 2023, following a TKO defeat to Brandon Moreno in an interim title fight in July 2022.
Kara-France is a well-rounded fighter with a strong kickboxing background. He is known for his power, especially for a flyweight, and his ability to fight effectively at both range and in close quarters. He lands an average of 4.57 significant strikes per minute with a striking accuracy of 39 percent.
Defensively, he absorbs 3.24 strikes per minute while maintaining a striking defense rate of 65 percent. Kara-France’s grappling is serviceable, with a takedown defense rate of 65 percent, but his focus is primarily on his striking.
Steve Erceg
Steve Erceg (12-2) is ranked No. 7 in the UFC flyweight division and hails from Perth, Australia, making this a homecoming fight for him. Erceg is coming off a close decision loss to UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja, a bout many felt he could have won.
Erceg is a striker with high-level boxing skills and effective counter striking. He is comfortable fighting at range and in the clinch, where he utilizes knees and quick elbows to damage opponents.
Erceg lands 4.52 significant strikes per minute with an impressive accuracy rate of 49 percent. However, he tends to absorb more damage than Kara-France, with a defensive striking rate of 52 percent and taking 4.20 significant strikes per minute. Erceg is also competent on the ground, averaging 1.24 takedowns per 15 minutes, although his takedown success rate is relatively low at 26 percent.
Fight Breakdown
Striking Battle
This fight is expected to be a striking battle, with both fighters having clear strengths in this area. Kara-France has the power advantage and a slight edge in defensive striking. However, Erceg’s superior boxing skills and ability to work effectively at range could play a crucial role, especially given his height advantage.
Key Factors
- Kara-France: Power, kickboxing, and striking defense.
- Erceg: Boxing, counter striking, and height advantage.
Kara-France’s path to victory likely involves closing the distance and utilizing his powerful strikes, particularly his kicks. On the other hand, Erceg will look to use his reach and boxing skills to keep Kara-France at bay and outpoint him over the course of the fight.
Betting Outlook
Given their respective skill sets and recent performances, this fight is expected to be closely contested. While Kara-France’s power is a significant factor, Erceg’s technical boxing and ability to exploit his height advantage make him a tough opponent. If Erceg can avoid getting into a brawl and maintain his distance, he could edge out a decision victory.
Prediction
Steve Erceg to win by decision: Erceg’s ability to control the fight with his range and boxing, combined with Kara-France’s recent struggles, make him the likely winner in this co-main event.
Expect a technical battle with Erceg coming out on top on the judges’ scorecards.