Learn more about Kai Kara-France's UFC history, fighter facts, and Q&A below.
Fighter Facts
- Team Cejudo on TUF 24
- 8-1 record since TUF 24
- Nine wins by KO, three by submission (2 guillotine, RNC)
- Ten first-round finishes
UFC History
UFC 253 (9/27/20) Kara-France was submitted by Brandon Royval via guillotine choke at :48 of the second round
UFC Fight Night (2/23/20) Kara-France won a three round unanimous decision over Tyson Nam
UFC 245 (12/14/19) Kara-France lost a three round unanimous decision to Brandon Moreno
UFC Fight Night (8/31/19) Kara-France won a three round unanimous decision over Mark De La Rosa
UFC 234 (2/9/19) Kara-France won a three round split decision over Raulian Paiva
UFC Fight Night (12/1/18) Kara-France won a three-round unanimous decision over Elias Garcia
The Ultimate Fighter, Season 24
On episode eight (quarterfinals), Kara-France lost a two-round unanimous decision to Alexandre Pantoja
On episode one, Kara-France knocked out Terrence Mitchell at :30 of the first round
Q&A
When and why did you start training for fighting? I started jiu-jitsu when I was 10 years old, and moved into MMA at 15. My parents wanted me to be more confident as I used to get bullied a lot at school for my size. Had my first pro fight at 17, moved to Thailand at age 19, winning a scholarship at Tiger Muay Thai. I lived there under scholarship for four years, fighting on the Asian MMA circuit. After that I was picked up for The Ultimate Fighter Season 24. After the show I moved back to Auckland, New Zealand and have been training at Coty Kickboxing until this day.
What ranks and titles have you held? Junior New Zealand Kickboxing Title, ‘Bragging Rights’ Flyweight Champion (Perth, Australia)
Do you have any heroes? Eugene Bareman, my head coach at City Kickboxing, the most calming and selfless person I know.
What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? This is my childhood dream, so it means everything. I’ve worked since the age of 15, all to get to this moment.
Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I did two years studying for a Bachelor of Sport degree, but put it on hold for my fight career.
What was your job before you started fighting? I was working at the Auckland Zoo Cafe
Specific accomplishments in pro competition? Only KO on TUF season 24, fought in 13 different countries. Number 1 regionally ranked in Australia, New Zealand and China in both Bantamweight and Flyweight divisions.
Ranks in any martial arts styles: Blue belt BJJ, New Zealand Wrestling representative.
Favorite grappling technique: Double leg takedown.
Favorite Striking technique: Overhand right.
Twitter account name: Kai Kara-FranceLearn more about [athlete]'s UFC history, fighter facts, and Q&A below.
