Bontorin stung Kara-France with a right hand a little over a minute into the first round of their clash at UFC 259 in early March. He scooped him in the air, deposited him on the canvas, and climbed onto his back, searching for a rear-naked choke about 20 seconds later.
For the next three minutes, the New Zealander patiently defended the Brazilian’s advances, fighting the hands, avoiding dangerous spots before Kara-France finally shook Bontorin off his back with 25 seconds remaining in the round. After stepping back to gather himself and allow Bontorin to get back to his feet, Kara-France stepped forward with a right hand that landed flush on the side of the Brazilian’s head.
Bontorin took it well, avoiding the follow-up missiles, and started to walk down Kara-France, who had circled out to reset. As Bontorin got into range, the City Kickboxing representative hit him with another right hand bomb that caused Bontorin to stiffen. An uppercut and an overhand right followed and the Brazilian fell forehead first into the canvas, as the ecstatic New Zealander started sprinting around the canvas in celebration.
There was some confusion following the stoppage as the referee never made the “It’s Over!” signal with his arms, resulting in Kara-France nearly running over and clubbing Bontorin once more while he was laying on his back, but thankfully the ref stepped in and stopped that from happening.
This was the first of two examples this year of why Kara-France’s nickname is “Don’t Blink!” He may be a flyweight, but he hits like a much bigger man, and only needs to land one to snag a victory.