Kai Kara-France
New Zealand mixed martial artist (born 1993) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
James Kaiwhare "Kai" Kara-France[1] (born 26 March 1993) is a New Zealand professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of 5 December 2023, he is #4 in the UFC flyweight rankings.[6]
| Kai Kara-France | |
|---|---|
Kara-France in 2021 | |
| Born | James Kaiwhare Kara-France[1] 26 March 1993 Auckland, New Zealand |
| Nickname | Don't Blink |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m) |
| Weight | 125 lb (57 kg; 8.9 st) |
| Division | Flyweight Bantamweight |
| Reach | 69 in (175 cm)[2] |
| Fighting out of | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Team | Tiger Muay Thai (2012–2016)[3] City Kickboxing (2016–present)[4] |
| Rank | Blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu[5] |
| Years active | 2010–present |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 37 |
| Wins | 25 |
| By knockout | 12 |
| By submission | 3 |
| By decision | 10 |
| Losses | 11 |
| By knockout | 3 |
| By submission | 3 |
| By decision | 5 |
| No contests | 1 |
| Other information | |
| Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog | |
Background
Kara-France started practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu at the age of 10 but stopped after two years.[3] After being bullied for his small stature in high school, Mount Albert Grammar School, he started training mixed martial arts as a whole.[3] Kara-France attended Unitec Institute of Technology for a spell, but dropped out.[3] He is of Maori ancestry, with connections to Waikato, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Kahungunu and Tuhoe.[7]
Mixed martial arts career
Summarize
Perspective
Early career
In November 2010, Kara-France began his professional MMA career in his home city of Auckland, with a first-round TKO win over Ray Kaitiana.[8]
Kara-France decided to drop out of the university after seeing a Facebook post promoting Tiger Muay Thai gym scholarship.[3] He applied to the gym and was awarded the scholarship after try-outs.[3] He moved to Phuket, Thailand, in 2013 where he trained and built his mixed martial arts record by fighting around Asia and The Pacific.[3]
The Ultimate Fighter
In 2016, Kara-France competed in The Ultimate Fighter: Tournament of Champions - the 24th edition of the UFC-produced reality television series The Ultimate Fighter.[9] He won his first fight with a 30-second KO win over Terrence Mitchell.[10] His second and final fight in this tournament was in the quarterfinals, where he lost by decision to Alexandre Pantoja.[11]
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Kara-France was signed by the UFC in July 2018[12] and he made his UFC debut on 1 December 2018, at UFC Fight Night: dos Santos vs. Tuivasa against Ashkan Mokhtarian. However, on 21 November 2018, Mokhtarian was pulled from the fight, citing an injury,[13] and he was replaced by Elias Garcia.[14] After both fighters getting knocked down, Kara-France won the fight via unanimous decision.[15] Both fighters were awarded US$50,000 Fight of the Night bonuses.[16]
Two months later, Kara-France faced Raulian Paiva on 10 February 2019, at UFC 234.[17] He won the fight via split decision.[18]
Kara-France faced Mark De La Rosa on 31 August 2019, at UFC Fight Night: Andrade vs. Zhang.[19] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[20]
Kara-France was briefly linked to a bout against Sergio Pettis on 14 December 2019, at UFC 245.[21] However, in early October, Pettis revealed that he was entertaining offers from other promotions after the completion of his previous contract and did not currently have a fight lined up with the promotion.[22] Kara-France instead faced Brandon Moreno.[23] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[24]
Kara-France faced Tyson Nam on 23 February 2020, at UFC Fight Night 168.[25] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[26]
Kara-France was expected to face Alex Perez on 16 May 2020.[27] However, on 9 April, Dana White, the president of UFC, announced that the event had been postponed to a future date due to COVID-19 pandemic.[28]
Kara-France faced Brandon Royval on 27 September 2020 at UFC 253.[29] After both fighters were knocked down in the first round, Kara-France lost the fight via submission in the second round.[30] This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.[31]
As the first bout of his new four-fight contract, Kara-France faced Rogério Bontorin on 6 March 2021, at UFC 259.[32][33] He won the fight via knockout in round one.[34] This fight earned him the Performance of the Night award.[35]
Kara-France next faced former UFC Bantamweight Champion Cody Garbrandt on 11 December 2021, at UFC 269.[36] He won the fight via TKO in the first round.[37] The win also earned Kara-France his second consecutive Performance of the Night bonus award.[38]
Kara-France faced Askar Askarov on 26 March 2022, at UFC on ESPN 33.[39] He spoiled Askarov's undefeated record, handing him his first loss via unanimous decision.[40]
Kara-France faced former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno in a rematch on 30 July 2022, with the interim UFC Flyweight Championship on the line, at UFC 277.[41] He lost the fight via TKO in the third round.[42] The bout earned him his fourth Fight of the Night award.[43]
Kara-France was scheduled to face Alex Perez on 12 February 2023, at UFC 284. However, Kara-France was pulled out of the fight, citing a knee injury.[44]
Kara-France faced Amir Albazi on 3 June 2023, at UFC on ESPN 46.[45] He lost the fight via a highly controversial split decision. 19 out of 21 media outlets scored the bout in favor of Kara-France.[46]
Kara-France was scheduled to face Manel Kape on 10 September 2023, at UFC 293.[47] However Kara-France pulled out of the fight in late August after suffering a concussion during training, and was replaced by Felipe dos Santos.[48]
Kara-France faced Steve Erceg on 18 August 2024, at UFC 305.[49] He won the fight by technical knockout in the first round.[50] This fight earned him another Performance of the Night award.[51]
Kara-France was reportedly scheduled to face Alexandre Pantoja for the UFC Flyweight Championship on 12 April 2025, at UFC 314.[52] However, for unknown reasons, the bout was reportedly moved to 7 June 2025 at UFC 316 but never came to fruition.[53] The bout is reportedly going to take place on 28 June 2025 at UFC 317.[54]
Personal life
Kara-France and his wife Chardae have a son.[55]
Championships and accomplishments
Mixed martial arts
- Ultimate Fighting Championships
- Fight of the Night (Three times) vs. Elias Garcia, Brandon Moreno 2 and Brandon Royval[16][31][43]
- Performance of the Night (Three times) vs. Rogério Bontorin, Cody Garbrandt and Steve Erceg[35][38][51]
- Tied (Alexandre Pantoja) for third most Post-Fight bonuses in UFC Flyweight division history (6)[56]
- Second most knockdowns landed in UFC Flyweight division history (8)[56]
- Third highest takedown defense percentage in UFC Flyweight division history (88.0%)[56]
- UFC.com Awards
- 2022: Ranked #4 Upset of the Year vs. Askar Askarov[57]
Mixed martial arts record
Summarize
Perspective
| 37 matches | 25 wins | 11 losses |
| By knockout | 12 | 3 |
| By submission | 3 | 3 |
| By decision | 10 | 5 |
| No contests | 1 | |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 25–11 (1) | Steve Erceg | TKO (punches) | UFC 305 | 18 August 2024 | 1 | 4:04 | Perth, Australia | Performance of the Night. |
| Loss | 24–11 (1) | Amir Albazi | Decision (split) | UFC on ESPN: Kara-France vs. Albazi | 3 June 2023 | 5 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Loss | 24–10 (1) | Brandon Moreno | TKO (body kick and punches) | UFC 277 | 30 July 2022 | 3 | 4:34 | Dallas, Texas, United States | For the interim UFC Flyweight Championship. Fight of the Night. |
| Win | 24–9 (1) | Askar Askarov | Decision (unanimous) | UFC on ESPN: Blaydes vs. Daukaus | 26 March 2022 | 3 | 5:00 | Columbus, Ohio, United States | |
| Win | 23–9 (1) | Cody Garbrandt | TKO (punches) | UFC 269 | 11 December 2021 | 1 | 3:21 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Performance of the Night. |
| Win | 22–9 (1) | Rogério Bontorin | KO (punches) | UFC 259 | 6 March 2021 | 1 | 4:55 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Performance of the Night. |
| Loss | 21–9 (1) | Brandon Royval | Submission (guillotine choke) | UFC 253 | 27 September 2020 | 2 | 0:48 | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Fight of the Night. |
| Win | 21–8 (1) | Tyson Nam | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Felder vs. Hooker | 23 February 2020 | 3 | 5:00 | Auckland, New Zealand | |
| Loss | 20–8 (1) | Brandon Moreno | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 245 | 14 December 2019 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 20–7 (1) | Mark De La Rosa | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Andrade vs. Zhang | 31 August 2019 | 3 | 5:00 | Shenzhen, China | |
| Win | 19–7 (1) | Raulian Paiva | Decision (split) | UFC 234 | 10 February 2019 | 3 | 5:00 | Melbourne, Australia | |
| Win | 18–7 (1) | Elias Garcia | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: dos Santos vs. Tuivasa | 2 December 2018 | 3 | 5:00 | Adelaide, Australia | Return to Flyweight. Fight of the Night. |
| Win | 17–7 (1) | Shi Xiaoyu | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Glory of Heroes: New Zealand vs. China | 4 March 2018 | 1 | N/A | Auckland, New Zealand | |
| Win | 16–7 (1) | Huoyixibai Chuhayifu | Decision (unanimous) | WLF W.A.R.S. 19 | 11 November 2017 | 3 | 5:00 | Zhengzhou, China | |
| Win | 15–7 (1) | Aori Qileng | Decision (unanimous) | WLF W.A.R.S. 14 | 20 May 2017 | 3 | 5:00 | Zhengzhou, China | Catchweight (129 lb) bout. |
| Win | 14–7 (1) | Wu Ze | TKO (punches) | WLF W.A.R.S. 13 | 22 April 2017 | 1 | 2:01 | Zhengzhou, China | |
| Win | 13–7 (1) | Rodolfo Marques | KO (punch) | Hex Fight Series 8 | 31 March 2017 | 3 | 2:59 | Melbourne, Australia | Return to Bantamweight. |
| Loss | 12–7 (1) | Tatsumitsu Wada | Decision (unanimous) | Rizin World Grand Prix 2016: 2nd Round | 29 December 2016 | 3 | 5:00 | Saitama, Japan | |
| Win | 12–6 (1) | Crisanto Pitpitunge | TKO (cartwheel kick and punches) | Pacific Xtreme Combat 52 | 18 March 2016 | 3 | N/A | Mangilao, Guam | |
| Win | 11–6 (1) | Josh Duenas | TKO (punches) | Pacific Xtreme Combat 50 | 4 December 2015 | 1 | 0:22 | Mangilao, Guam | |
| Win | 10–6 (1) | Shantaram Maharaj | TKO (punches) | Bragging Rights 7: Resurrection | 27 September 2015 | 1 | 1:33 | Perth, Australia | Won the KOZ Flyweight Championship. |
| Win | 9–6 (1) | Dindo Camansa | KO (punches) | Malaysian Invasion: Mixed Martial A'rr | 1 June 2015 | 1 | 0:12 | Andaman Sea, Thailand | Flyweight debut. |
| Win | 8–6 (1) | Jang Ik-hwan | TKO (punches) | PRO Fighting 10 | 9 May 2015 | 1 | 0:08 | Taipei, Taiwan | |
| Loss | 7–6 (1) | Ayideng Jumayi | Decision (unanimous) | Kunlun Fight 18 | 18 January 2015 | 3 | 5:00 | Nanjing, China | |
| Loss | 7–5 (1) | Mark Striegl | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Malaysian Invasion 2: Grand Finals | 25 October 2014 | 1 | 2:10 | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | |
| Loss | 7–4 (1) | Gustavo Falciroli | Submission (brabo choke) | Australian FC 9 | 17 May 2014 | 1 | 4:55 | Melbourne, Australia | For the AFC Bantamweight Championship. |
| Win | 7–3 (1) | Wu Tieyin | Decision (unanimous) | Kunlun Fight 1 | 25 January 2014 | 3 | 5:00 | Pattaya, Thailand | |
| NC | 6–3 (1) | Gustavo Falciroli | No Contest (Kara-France fell out of the ring) | Australian FC 7 | 14 December 2013 | 2 | 3:20 | Melbourne, Australia | Kara-France fell through the ropes of the ring and was unable to continue[58] |
| Win | 6–3 | Wu Tieyin | Submission (guillotine choke) | World Team USA: Fight for Peace | 23 October 2013 | 1 | 1:54 | Manila, Philippines | |
| Win | 5–3 | Yudi Cahyadi | Decision (unanimous) | Bandung Fighting Club | 29 September 2013 | 3 | 5:00 | Bandung, Indonesia | |
| Win | 4–3 | Kim Ho-joon | KO (head kick) | PRO Fighting 8 | 4 August 2013 | 1 | 3:44 | Taipei, Taiwan | |
| Loss | 3–3 | Danaa Batgerel | Decision (unanimous) | Legend FC 11 | 27 April 2013 | 3 | 5:00 | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | |
| Win | 3–2 | Caleb Lally | Decision (unanimous) | Rage in the Cage: MMA Fighting Championship | 13 October 2012 | 3 | 5:00 | Tauranga, New Zealand | |
| Win | 2–2 | Sam Chan | Submission (guillotine choke) | Legend FC 10 | 24 August 2012 | 1 | 3:21 | Hong Kong, SAR, China | |
| Loss | 1–2 | Agustin Delarmino | KO (punches) | Legend FC 8 | 30 March 2012 | 3 | 0:29 | Hong Kong, SAR, China | |
| Loss | 1–1 | Chad George | KO (punch) | The Cage 2: USA vs. New Zealand | 2 December 2011 | 1 | 2:04 | Whakatāne, New Zealand | |
| Win | 1–0 | Ray Kaitiana | TKO (punches) | Supremacy Cage Fighting 7 | 27 November 2010 | 1 | N/A | Auckland, New Zealand | Bantamweight debut. |
Mixed martial arts exhibition record
| Exhibition record breakdown | ||
| 2 matches | 1 win | 1 loss |
| By knockout | 1 | 0 |
| By decision | 0 | 1 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 1–1 | Alexandre Pantoja | Decision (unanimous) | The Ultimate Fighter: Tournament of Champions | 2 November 2016 | 2 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | TUF 24 Quarter-final round |
| Win | 1–0 | Terrence Mitchell | KO (punch) | 31 August 2016 | 1 | 0:30 | TUF 24 Round of 16 |
*Date given is the air date of the episode. The actual dates of the fight are not released by the UFC
See also
References
External links
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