- What: UFC 305 C0-Main
- Who: Kai Kara-France vs. Steve Erceg
- Date: Sunday, August 18, 2024
- Location: RAC Arena in Perth, Australia
- Time: Early Prelims (6:30 p.m. ET) Prelims (8:00 p.m. ET), Main Card (10:00 p.m. ET), Co-Main (around Midnight. ET)
- How to Watch: Early Prelims (ESPN+) Prelims (ESPN/ESPN+) Main Card (PPV), Co-Main (PPV)
UFC 305 comes in with the hometown fighter. Yes, this co-main takes place on August 18 at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. Flyweight Steve Erceg rumbles with veteran Kai-Kara France. Erceg wants some respect and some better fights. However, respect is earned in the UFC. Now, Erceg gets the chance to bounce back this weekend. UFC 305 best bets focuses on the bout before the main event.
Steve Erceg, the Flyweight contender, (12-2) lost his first bid for the UFC Flyweight Championship. He showed some things against Alexandre Pantoja. However, Pantoja countered and displayed his championship mettle. Maybe, Erceg needed more space between these fights. Two months probably is not enough time.
Kai Kara-France (24-11, 1 NC) has fought for the UFC title himself (interim). However, Kara-France has been up and down. Aside from his bouts with Brandon Moreno, Kara-France has been a viable contender in the Flyweight class. The problem lies with this. Can the New Zealand fighter take that next step again?
No common opponents exist but a geographical rivalry never hurts. The fight most did not see coming is coming now. So Australia has a three-round powder keg here. What are some of the best bets for the Kai Kara-France vs. Steve Erceg bout on this UFC 305 card? Let us spotlight those excellent UFC betting online 2024 sites where you can find the best odds on all UFC fights.
UFC 305 Main: Kai Kara-France vs. Steve Erceg Betting Picks
UFC 305 Best Bets: Steve Erceg Betting Analysis
UFC 305 Best Bets greets us with a bit of a dilemma. Steve Erceg remains the favorite here and rightfully so. Betting analysis gets intrigued by looking at the underdog. However, Erceg got a taste for what it is like to fight for the crown. For the type of fighter he is, getting a hometown fight has to be a huge advantage. Also, it is a boost to his ego. Let us be frank here.
Now, Erceg was not horrible in his first title shot. Keep in mind, he left Pantoja considerably cut. There were several cuts and two prominent ones around both eyes. The Australian got in plenty of shots against the champion. Some argued this was the fight of the night from Brazil. Even the scorecards were very close as two of the three judges had the bout 48-47 for Pantoja. One could make a case that Erceg could have garnered a split decision here.
Defense is a bit of an issue for Erceg at crucial times. The championship round showed why better decision making is needed from the Flyweight. Experiences like this will only help Erceg, however. Also, the start was not his best either. Did Erceg come in nervous?
Honestly, this may be the best kind of fight for both Erceg and Kara-France. This could go down as the fight or performance of the night. The Australian can deliver some haymakers but get hit with some as well. However, it is that championship experience which will give Erceg more hope this weekend.
UFC 305: Kai Kara-France Betting Picks
Kai Kara-France gained the nickname "Don't Blink" for good reason. This is because Kara-France can mix Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with qualities of Muay Thai and kickboxing. Consider that he does have a 5-1 professional boxing record. However, pundits sometimes forget that punching power especially in the 125-point class. His defense rank is getting a little more suspect. Furthermore, the UFC 305 best bets do note one very telling reality.
Kara-France has not fought in over a year. His last bout was on June 3rd, 2023 against Amir Albazi. Again, that fight was highly controversial. Now, 19 of the 21 judges picked scored the fight three rounds to two for Kara-France. Unfortunately, two of the three judges happened to be the ones that mattered. They scored it for Albazi. What does that do to a fighter who may be on the other side of rebuilding?
Several pundits acknowledge this could be Kara-France's last chance here. He seems to find ways to bounce back but this is a road bout versus an opponent who will not be nervous. The New Zealander remains more than capable of pulling off the upset because this is three rounds. However, Kara-France is facing a guy who can throw like Moreno. If he can avoid taking so many power shots, Kara-France can outwit and outlast to a decision win.
UFC 305 Picks – Kai Kara-France vs. Steve Erceg
With some of these UFC 305 Best Bets, the next thing is what about some potential betting props? Granted, most are not listed prominently but a few have opened. The reaches for both fighters are about the same. A one-inch difference makes little difference. Both of these fighters want to get inside and want to ground and pound.
Erceg knows he must make better decisions and Kara-France may be the best opponent here. Kara-France can hurt Erceg but Erceg can hurt him more. Remember the concussion history of Kara-France. Adrenaline will play a role here and that is partially why if one goes for a late knockout here, that is understandable. The Over 2.5 Rounds is into the minus territory so that is not in the cards. However, the KO/TKO/DQ for Erceg comes in at +175. It is possible to take a small wager on.
For our purposes, the betting pick of Erceg to take this bout by decision at +125 is safer. This could move because some are starting to suspect a knockout here.
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