Kai Kara-France has been forced to withdraw from his UFC 284 flyweight bout against Alex Perez. The No.3-ranked flyweight took to his Instagram account to share the news, citing an injury as he stated:
"Unfortunately due to injury, I’ve had to pull out of my up coming fight in Perth. I’m gutted I won’t be able to fight in front of everyone in Australia. To everyone who supports me, I'm sorry."
Kara-France continued:
"This has been frustrating but i know I’m making the right decision. Hopefully me and @alexperezmma can run it back next year. Enjoy the holidays and stay safe. Will see you back in the Octagon 2023. Much love everyone! ❤️"
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Details surrounding Kara-France's injury, or how long he will be sidelined, have yet to emerge. It is unclear if Perez will receive a new opponent or if he will also be removed from the card.
This becomes the second high-profile fight to be removed from the UFC 284 card this week, following the cancelation of the bout between Robert Whittaker and Paulo Costa.
Check out Kai Kara-France's Instagram post below:
Muhammad Mokaev offers to step in for Kai Kara-France and face Alex Perez
Muhammad Mokaev has thrown his name into the mix to replace Kai Kara-France and face Alex Perez at UFC 284. The undefeated No.14-ranked flyweight took to Twitter, stating:
"Thank you for the tags people! Thank you for believing in me! I want this fight, I’m ready to step in! @ufc"
Check out Muhammad Mokaev's tweet below:
Mokaev had previously called out Perez to clash at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi. It remains to be seen if he will step in as a replacement for Kara-France.