Kai Kara-France

Kai Kara-France, hailing from New Zealand, is making waves in the world of mixed martial arts as a formidable fighter in the UFC Flyweight division. With an impressive record of 24 wins, 11 losses, and 1 no contest, Kara-France has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with inside the Octagon.

Born on March 26, 1993, in Auckland, New Zealand, Kara-France started his MMA journey at a young age. He honed his skills in Brazilian jiu-jitsu before transitioning to mixed martial arts, driven by his personal experiences of overcoming adversity and bullying due to his small stature during his high school years.

Kara-France’s dedication to his craft led him to train at Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket, Thailand, where he sharpened his skills and prepared himself for the challenges that lay ahead.

The breakthrough moment in Kara-France’s career came in 2016 when he competed in The Ultimate Fighter: Tournament of Champions. Despite not winning the tournament, he showcased his talent with a 30-second knockout victory over Terrence Mitchell. This performance earned him a spot in the UFC.

Since his UFC debut in 2018, Kara-France has had an eventful journey. Notable victories over Elias Garcia, Raulian Paiva, and Mark De La Rosa highlighted his potential in the flyweight division.

Although he suffered a setback with a loss to Brandon Moreno, Kara-France quickly bounced back with impressive wins over Tyson Nam and Brandon Royval, earning him a Fight of the Night bonus for the latter bout.

Currently ranked #5 in the UFC flyweight rankings, Kara-France has his sights set on future bouts and continuing his ascent in the division. Unfortunately, injuries have hindered his progress, forcing him to withdraw from scheduled fights against Alex Perez and Manel Kape.

Outside of the cage, Kara-France is a devoted husband to his wife Chardae and a loving father to their son.

Background and Early Career

Kai Kara-France’s journey in the world of mixed martial arts began at a young age. At just 10 years old, he started practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but unfortunately, he had to stop after two years. It was during his time in high school that Kara-France, who had a small stature, decided to take up mixed martial arts as a means to combat bullying. Determined to prove himself, he immersed himself in the sport and honed his skills.

While attending Mount Albert Grammar School, Kara-France faced the challenges of balancing his education and his passion for MMA. He eventually made the decision to drop out of the Unitec Institute of Technology to focus on his fighting career. This dedication to his craft paid off as he went on to achieve remarkable success in the sport.

To further develop his skills, Kara-France ventured to Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket, Thailand. This renowned training facility provided him with the necessary tools and expertise to enhance his abilities. Under the guidance of experienced coaches and alongside elite fighters, Kara-France thrived in this competitive environment.

The Ultimate Fighter and UFC Debut

Kai Kara-France’s journey to the UFC began with his participation in The Ultimate Fighter: Tournament of Champions in 2016. In the competition, Kara-France showcased his skills and emerged victorious in his first fight, delivering a stunning 30-second knockout victory over Terrence Mitchell. Although he fell short in the quarterfinals against Alexandre Pantoja, his performance caught the attention of the UFC.

UFC Debut

On December 1, 2018, Kai Kara-France made his highly anticipated UFC debut. He faced Elias Garcia in a flyweight bout, and despite the pressure of his first UFC appearance, Kara-France displayed composure and determination. The fight went the distance, with Kara-France securing a well-deserved unanimous decision victory.

Following his successful debut, Kara-France continued to impress in the UFC flyweight division. He went on to defeat Raulian Paiva and Mark De La Rosa, showcasing his versatile skill set and proving his worth among the top contenders in the division.

Recent Fights and Achievements

Kai Kara-France has had a series of memorable fights and impressive achievements in his UFC career. One of his notable fights was against Brandon Moreno at UFC 245. Although Kara-France lost the fight via unanimous decision, it was a highly competitive bout that earned them the recognition of Fight of the Night.

Another highlight in Kara-France’s career was his performance against Rogério Bontorin. He secured a spectacular knockout victory that earned him the Performance of the Night bonus. This showcases his exceptional skills and ability to deliver exciting finishes.

In his most recent bout, Kara-France faced Askar Askarov at UFC 277. He displayed his well-rounded skill set and fought strategically, ultimately winning the fight by unanimous decision. This victory demonstrates his consistency and ability to adapt to different opponents.