Kiwi maps out his career path
With the period of uncertainty seemingly over, Kai Kara-france is ready to become a major player in the UFC’S flyweight division.
Already up to 10th in the rankings after going two from two since signing with the world’s leading MMA promotion last year, the Kiwi prospect has the chance to make another leap against 14th-ranked Mark De La Rosa in Shenzhen, China, tonight.
Rumours of the division’s demise had been circulating for months before UFC president Dana White confirmed it would continue in June.
Kara-france is among a new breed of flyweights out to reinvigorate the weight class, which has been recognised by the matchmakers as he makes his main card debut.
‘‘It’s a good matchup. On paper we’ve got good records and experience, and in the Asian market they like lighter fighters, it’s what they’re used to seeing – flyweights, bantamweights,’’ Kara-france told Stuff. ‘‘We’re ready to represent not only ourselves but the flyweight division as well and I’m ready to represent New Zealand on that world
stage once again.’’
With the division wide open outside the top five, the stakes are high for the 26-year-old.
There’s also added incentive for a quick finish as he hopes to join City Kickboxing team-mates Israel Adesanya and Dan Hooker on the UFC 243 card in Melbourne in five weeks.
Kara-france doesn’t hide his ambition but that doesn’t mean he’s getting ahead of himself, with the potential rewards only sharpening his focus on making a statement against De La Rosa.
‘‘I’m not going to look past Mark. I’m going to respect my opponent that’s standing in front of me,’’ he said. ‘‘But I am ambitious and in this sport you’ve got to have that mindset, you’ve always got to be hungry and never satisfied.
‘‘I’m in this sport to eventually fight for that title. I’m only two or three fights away from the No 1 contender. I’m just going to take them as I can, stay active and just keep putting on exciting fights.’’
After recovering from a hand injury sustained early in his most recent win over Raulian Paiva in February, Kara-france has spent the last 10 weeks preparing for this weekend.
It’s this ‘‘all in’’ mentality that is crucial to succeed in the UFC. But it also requires a collective effort, with Kara-france religiously following coach Eugene Bareman’s training schedule while working closely with nutritionist Jordan Sullivan to manage the weight cut to 57kg.
Kara-france (19-7) is in familiar territory this week, having fought regularly in China prior to joining the UFC.
He faces an opponent in De La Rosa (11-2) who, with six career wins by submission, has a strong grappling background and returns to the division after a stint at bantamweight.
With Kara-france known for his knockout power, he expects the American to play to his strengths but has no problems going to the ground if necessary.
‘‘I know he likes to strike as well but when he gets hurt or gets discouraged he does go to his strength, and he will shoot and try go for that takedown,’’ Kara-france said.