In a thrilling showcase at UFC 317, Alexandre Pantoja solidified his status as a dominant force in the UFC flyweight division. The reigning champion delivered an electrifying performance at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, submitting challenger Kai Kara-France with a rear-naked choke in the third round.

Pantoja, now boasting a record of 30 wins and 5 losses, showcased his prowess from the very start of the bout. He expertly neutralized Kara-France's striking with his exceptional ground game, making it clear that he was in control. By the time he applied the choke, his victory felt all but inevitable.

Although the legacy of flyweight legend Demetrious Johnson looms large, Pantoja is making his own mark. With this win, he broke records by notching his 14th win, 8th finish, and 6th submission in UFC flyweight history, a feat that reinforces his claim to greatness.

Moreover, Pantoja has confidence in his impressive array of victories, which includes notable fighters like Kai Asakura, Steve Erceg, and Brandon Moreno. Following his latest triumph, he boldly called for a higher spot on the pound-for-pound rankings, and with evidence of his exploits, it's hard to argue against his ascent.

What's next for Pantoja? After the co-main event, rising star Joshua Van emerged victorious against Brandon Royval in a fight that some are hailing as a Fight of the Year contender, delivering a unanimous decision victory. This bout set a record for the highest combined strikes in a three-round fight, showcasing the incredible pace and intensity of the matchup.

Van, fresh off a six-fight win streak and eager for a title shot, expressed his desire to take on Pantoja next. "He's a great champion, but he ain't never fought Joshua Van," Van declared, setting the stage for what could be a captivating title bout.

With Pantoja’s impressive resume and Van’s undeniable momentum, fans are left buzzing at the prospects of an explosive championship fight in the near future.