Kai "Don't Blink" Kara-France is a flyweight UFC contender from Auckland, New Zealand. He made his debut in the UFC on December 2, 2018. Measuring 5'4" with a reach of 69 inches, Kara-France is known for powerful striking and knockout ability as he has 11 of his victories coming by way of KO/TKO. The fourth-ranked UFC flyweight fighter had a decent career in most MMA promotions, like Cage Warriors and Rizin FF, before joining the UFC. While he suffered some losses at the beginning of his career, he came back with some big wins which helped him get signed to the UFC.
Kara-France has taken part in tight contests with elite opposition in the UFC, most notably against Brandon Moreno at UFC 245 and UFC 277. The New Zealander also has some impressive, including a win over Cody Garbrandt at UFC 269 and Askar Askarov at UFC on ESPN in 2022. The fight against Garbrandt was the pick of the bunch, as the powerful striker knocked out the former Bantamweight Champion during the opening round. Kara-France's last two fights include a split decision loss to Amir Albazi on June 3, 2023, and a knockout loss in the rematch for the interim flyweight title against Moreno at UFC 277 in July 2022. Still, Kara-France is regarded as one of the biggest challengers in the flyweight division and trains out of City Kickboxing, which also houses the former champion Israel Adesanya, and lightweight contender Dan Hooker.
Kai Kara-France Losses
Kai Kara-France has suffered eleven losses in his professional MMA career, of which, four took place in the UFC. Let’s take a deeper look into each of his losses in the UFC.
Kai Kara-France vs. Brandon Moreno 1
Kai Kara-France faced Brandon Moreno at UFC 245 and suffered his first loss in the UFC on December 14, 2019. In an action-packed fight, Kara-France started strong, using his powerful right hand and leg kicks to take the first round. However, Moreno adjusted in the second round, utilizing his jab and high kicks, eventually winning the fight by unanimous decision.
Kai Kara-France vs. Brandon Royval
Kai Kara-France faced Brandon Royval at UFC 253 on September 27, 2020. The fight was high-paced, with both fighters scoring knockdowns in the first round. Royval eventually secured a second-round submission victory via guillotine choke.
Kai Kara-France vs. Brandon Moreno 2
In their rematch at UFC 277 on July 30, 2022, Brandon Moreno defeated Kai Kara-France via TKO in the third round to claim the interim flyweight title. Moreno ended the fight with a body kick followed by punches, securing the victory at 4:34 of the third round.
Kai Kara France vs. Amir Albazi
Kai Kara-France faced his fourth loss in the UFC against Amir Albazi at UFC Vegas 74 on June 3, 2023. The fight ended in a controversial split decision, with Albazi winning (48-47, 48-47, 47-48) despite Kara-France landing more significant strikes.
FAQs on Kai Kara-France's losses
A. Kai Kara-France has lost eleven times in professional MMA, with four losses taking place in the UFC.
A. Kai Kara-France holds a record of 24-11-0 (1NC).
A. Kai Kara-France is from Auckland, New Zealand.
A. Kai Kara-France weighs in at 125 lbs or 57 kg and he competes in the flyweight division of the UFC.
A. Kai Kara-France is 5 feet 4 inches or 163 cm tall.