In the co-main event of UFC 277, the interim flyweight title was on the line. Former undisputed champion Brandon Moreno (19-6-2) returned to take on a familiar foe in the surging Kai Kara-France (24-9).
Kara-France is coming in hot at UFC 277 on the heals of three tremendous victories. The last time we saw him was at a UFC Fight Night in March when he took on the previously unbeaten Askar Askarov and defeated him by decision.
Prior to that, he scored a knockout win over former UFC champ Cody Garbrandt. The former champion will be fighting an opponent not named Deiveson Figueiredo for the first time since November of 2020. Three straight fights for the UFC flyweight title against Figgy for Moreno and that series has gone 1-1-1.
Originally, Moreno and Figueiredo were being paired for a fourth fight. However, due to an injury to the champ, the UFC went in a different direction and booked these two for the interim title.
UFC 277 Recap
Round 1
The UFC 277 co-main kicked off with a touch of the gloves. Kara-France takes the center and throws a low kick. Moreno gauging the range on the outside and throws a jab. Another nice jab from Moreno lands and Kara-France misses wildly with a kick.
Moreno taking his time here just reading feints from Kara-France. Lead left hook from Moreno and a jab from Moreno. Low kick from Kara-France causes the action to pause momentarily. And they are back at it.
High kick attempt from Moreno is blocked by Kara-France. Another nice jab lands for Moreno. Both men throwing a lot of feints here early just feeling each other out. Jab from Moreno and a low kick from Kara-France. Low kick from Moreno.
Big left hook lands for Moreno. Kara-France looks a little uncomfortable here in the first round. Low kick from Kara-France but he eats another clean check left. Big right hand from Kara-France lands and Moreno shoots for a takedown.
Kara-France tries breaking away and he gets free. Left hook now from Kara-France. Now it’s Kara-France using pressure. Moreno now ups the pressure and throws a combination. The first round comes to a close and it could’ve gone to either man at UFC 277.
Round 2
Entering the second at UFC 277 and it’s clear after one that this is very evenly matched. Kara-France takes the center to open the second. Low kick from Kara-France and then he misses wildly with a right. Moreno gets a brief clinch and lands a knee.
Jab from Moreno lands. Another jab lands for Moreno but Kara-France lands a big leg kick. Low kick from Moreno lands. Kara-France tries pushing forward but eats a combination from Brandon Moreno. Jab from Moreno lands.
Another nice jab from Moreno. Head kick miss for Kara-France and Moreno ducks under and gets a body lock. Kara-France is defending well here against the cage. He breaks free and lands a brutal leg kick on the break.
Combination answers for Brandon Moreno. Moreno goes for a trip but Kara-France defends well. Nice 1-2 lands for Moreno on the get up. Check left hook lands flush for Moreno. Right hand over the top lands for Moreno and now he’s upping the pressure.
Stiff jab for Moreno and then both men trade leg kicks. Kara-France lands a nice left to pause the advance. Double jab for Moreno lands. Kara-France tries to answer but Moreno makes him miss. The round comes to a close and that was a clear round for the former UFC champion.
Round 3
Entering the third at UFC 277 and it definitely feels like Moreno is up. Kara-France comes forward with immediate pressure and lands a leg kick. Jab from Moreno starts his striking. An exchange and Kara-France ends up on top.
Couldn’t tell if it was a slip or if there was a sweep but nevertheless, Kara-France ends up on top. Moreno pulls Kara-France into guard. Big shots from Kara-France lands and he’s starting to look good here from the top position.
Moreno is starting to wear damage under his right eye. Lots of swelling and a little blood under the eye. They end up back on their feet and they are back to striking. Kara-France is looking really good here in the third round.
Moreno pushing forward throwing body kicks. Nice combination from Kara-France lands and he’s taken the momentum back in the third. Out of no where, Moreno lands a huge body kick and Kara-France crumbles. Big shots from Moreno and it’s over. Brandon Moreno is the UFC interim flyweight champion.
Brandon Moreno def. Kai Kara-France by TKO – Round 3