Tough to win brutal UFC fight

defence to edge a split decision.

After an impressive start to his UFC career, Kara-france was looking to bounce back from his first defeat against Brandon Moreno two months ago in Las Vegas.

It was a convincing response from the 26-year-old, who landed 101 significant strikes to just 37 and frustrated Nam with his movement to keep his powerful right hand at bay.

All three judges scored the bout 30-27 to ensure his homecoming bout was one to remember.

‘‘Ever since I started MMA, this was my dream to fight for the UFC in Spark Arena. I can finally take this off the bucket list,’’ Kara-france said.

‘‘I missed out the first two times they’ve been here so to get the win is a special moment for me. Especially being a young Ma¯ ori growing up, there wasn’t a blueprint of how to get in the UFC, there was only a blueprint of how to be an All Black. So this is my All Black jersey.’’

Riddell, meanwhile, looked set for an early finish as he exploded out of the blocks and dropped Mustafaev flush with a huge overhand right.

He immediately went in for the stoppage but after quickly coming to his senses, Mustafaev managed to switch positions and proceeded to try to turn the fight into a wrestling contest.

It was a composed performance by the Christchurch-native. Mustafaev pulled off eight takedown attempts but Riddell nullified his work on the ground and flipped positions several times.

Kai Kara-france, and the article’s author are brothers.