On Saturday, Pantoja entered UFC 317's co-main event to defend his belt for the fourth time, facing an old foe from "The Ultimate Fighter 24," Kai Kara-France. Already established as one of the sport's very best, Pantoja further proved himself and his greatness with a dominant performance that concluded with a third-round rear-naked choke.

France, Pantoja (30-5 MMA, 14-3 UFC) was quite literally faced with his next opponent. Into the cage at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas walked Joshua Van, who defeated Brandon Royval in a thrilling title eliminator just one fight prior.