Kai Kara-France has long been one of the most explosive and entertaining fighters in the UFC’s flyweight division. Known for his crisp striking, knockout power, and unshakable self-belief, the New Zealand native has earned his spot among the elite through a string of high-level performances. Now set to challenge reigning champion Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 317, Kara-France looks to finally capture UFC gold. Ahead of the title fight, here’s a look back at three of his most impactful and defining wins inside the Octagon.
1. Star-Making Knockout – UFC 269: Kara-France vs. Garbrandt
At UFC 269, Kara-France made a major statement by finishing former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt in the first round, firmly establishing himself as a top contender at 125 pounds. The fight began with Garbrandt using lateral movement and low kicks, while Kara-France calmly held center and found his range.
After a few early exchanges, Kara-France landed a thunderous overhand right that dropped Garbrandt. Though Garbrandt scrambled to his feet and briefly scored a takedown, he was still dazed. Kara-France patiently picked his shots and connected with another powerful right hand that sent Garbrandt crashing into the cage, forcing the referee to step in at 3:21. The emphatic TKO win halted Garbrandt’s flyweight debut and became a career highlight for Kara-France, showcasing his knockout power on a massive stage.
2. Elite Spoiler – UFC 305: Kara-France vs. Erceg
At UFC 305, Kara-France returned to form with a stunning first-round TKO over surging Australian prospect Steve Erceg. The bout opened with Erceg utilizing jabs and leg kicks to establish rhythm, but Kara-France stayed composed, looking for counters. As Erceg began pressing forward, Kara-France timed a beautiful left hand that dropped him hard.
Though Erceg got back to his feet, Kara-France swarmed him again with precision, scoring another knockdown that sealed the deal at 4:04 of Round 1. The referee stepped in, and Kara-France walked away with one of his most impressive victories to date. The win derailed Erceg’s momentum and reasserted Kara-France as a top-tier threat in the flyweight title mix.
3. Gritty Breakthrough – UFC on ESPN 33: Kara-France vs. Askarov
One of the most significant wins of Kara-France’s career came at UFC on ESPN 33, where he handed previously undefeated Askar Askarov his first professional loss in a hard-fought unanimous decision. Askarov dominated early, using his wrestling to control Kara-France on the mat and threaten submissions while maintaining back control.
But Kara-France’s resilience shone through. In Round 2, he turned the tide with his striking—landing fast combinations and stuffing takedowns. By the third round, Kara-France had fully seized momentum, using his speed and footwork to control the exchanges and keep the fight standing. He earned a unanimous 29-28 decision across all scorecards, snapping Askarov’s unbeaten streak and earning himself a top contender spot in the flyweight division.