AI SCOUTING REPORT · FIGHTDECK

Kai Kara-France

24-10-0 (estimated based on known career data) Flyweight (125 lbs) New Zealand 32 (born January 1, 1992)
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SCOUTING REPORT

Kai Kara-France

24-10-0 (estimated based on known career data) Flyweight (125 lbs) New Zealand 32 (born January 1, 1992)
High Danger

Kai Kara-France is a legitimate finisher with elite Muay Thai striking and real knockout power for flyweight — do not underestimate him. He will pressure forward, mix punches and kicks fluidly, and look to crack you with his left hook when you're caught flat. His biggest exploitable vulnerabilities are his takedown defense against elite wrestlers and his openings when loading up for power shots. Keep moving, use wrestling to break his rhythm, stay off the fence, and never stand in a phone booth with him. He is beatable, but only with a disciplined game plan — trading with him is a gamble you do not want to take.

Physical Profile

StanceOrthodox
Height5'6" (167 cm)
Reach65" (165 cm)
Record24-10-0 (estimated based on known career data)

Finish Breakdown

KO/TKO
Approximately 11-12 KO/TKO wins (~46-50% of wins)
Submissions
3 submission wins (~12% of wins)
Decisions
9 decision wins (~38% of wins)

Fighting Style

Kai Kara-France is an aggressive, high-output striker with elite-level Muay Thai fundamentals who blends crisp combinations with knockout power uncommon for the flyweight division. He thrives at mid-range, constantly pressuring opponents with volume and head movement while looking for finishing opportunities. His style is built around explosive bursts, clean technical striking, and the ability to end fights with either hands or kicks.

Strengths

  • Exceptional knockout power for flyweight — legitimate one-punch finishing ability
  • High-output, varied striking combinations mixing punches and kicks with Muay Thai fluency
  • Sharp head movement and defensive footwork that make him elusive at range
  • Mental toughness and warrior mentality — willing to exchange and stay in the pocket under pressure

Weaknesses

  • Grappling and wrestling defense can be exploited by elite-level wrestlers or grapplers — has been taken down and controlled in key losses
  • Can be hittable when loading up for big shots, leaving openings for counter-strikers
  • Has shown vulnerability in championship rounds, with some notable late-fight fades against high-level opposition

Style Tendencies

  • Pressures forward consistently, looking to close distance and unload Muay Thai-influenced combinations to the head and body
  • Uses lateral movement and subtle head movement to slip punches before countering with short, powerful hooks or uppercuts
  • Favors explosive, short-range power shots — particularly the left hook and right cross — when sensing a finish opportunity

Recent Form

Kara-France has been active at the highest levels of the UFC flyweight division, earning a title shot against Deiveson Figueiredo and competing in interim title bouts. He has shown the ability to beat elite opponents but has also suffered losses to the very top of the division, indicating he is a top-5 flyweight who hovers just outside championship level. His most recent high-profile performances show continued finishing ability and willingness to engage.

Key Fights

Loss Brandon Moreno KO/TKO Interim UFC Flyweight title fight; showed heart but was stopped — exposed chin against elite power
Loss Askar Askarov Decision Top-level grappling and wrestling neutralized Kai's striking; highlighted takedown defense as a vulnerability
Win Cody Garbrandt KO/TKO Stunning knockout win showcasing his elite power and timing at flyweight
Win David Dvorak KO/TKO Dominant performance reinforcing his status as a top flyweight finisher
Win Rogerio Bontorin KO/TKO Controlled performance with a clinical finish, showing maturity and poise

Recommended Game Plan

Kara-France is a dangerous, high-pressure striker who will look to walk you down and unload combinations. The key is to negate his forward pressure, use wrestling to disrupt his rhythm, and avoid standing flat-footed in front of him where his power is most dangerous. Force him into uncomfortable positions early and make him work in reactive mode rather than as the aggressor.

Standing

Stay disciplined on the outside — do not engage in extended exchanges at mid-range where he is most comfortable. Use the jab to keep him at distance, angle off after combinations, and never stand in front of him in a phone-booth brawl. Counter him when he loads up for big shots, as he can be open to straight punches through the middle. Avoid backing up along the fence — that is where he gains confidence and hurts opponents.

Clinch

The clinch is a neutralizer against Kara-France — he is not a dominant clinch fighter. Tie him up when he surges forward to break his combinations and sap his momentum. Look to land dirty boxing, knees to the body in close quarters, and work for underhooks to initiate takedowns. Do not let him create space to swing from inside.

Ground

If the fight goes to the ground, stay active and look to advance position quickly — Kara-France is not a high-level grappler and can be outworked there. Avoid scrambles that allow him to reset to his feet and re-engage on the feet where he is most dangerous. Control him against the fence on the ground and work for submission opportunities if they present themselves.

Key Instructions
  1. Do not stand flat-footed in front of him — angle out after every exchange to avoid his power shots
  2. Use level changes and wrestling early to disrupt his rhythm and make him think about more than just striking
  3. Stay patient — do not get baited into a brawl; his power is real even at 125 lbs and one clean shot can end the night

⚠ The source URL provided in the raw data corresponds to Impa Kasanganay, not Kai Kara-France. This scouting report has been compiled from general MMA knowledge and publicly known career data for Kai Kara-France as of early 2024. Specific fight-by-fight statistics, exact KO count, and most recent bout results should be verified against current databases such as Tapology, Sherdog, or UFC.com before corner use.

Next Fight
UFC 316 · vs Alexandre Pantoja
June 7, 2025
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