KaraFrance coming for ‘knockouts’
in a performance that will win the test.
‘‘I think we all know, not that there has been any talk of the Ashes in our group, that we need an armoury of bowlers over the next six weeks.
‘‘The games come round thick and fast and it is unrealistic to think any bowler will play six tests in a row, so we’ll need a few of us to be ripe and ready.
‘‘You only have to look at the bowlers that aren’t playing this week like Woakesy, Jimmy, Robbo and Woody to know we have a lot of strength in depth.’’— BPA
WELLINGTON: Auckland mixed martial artist Kai KaraFrance still believes he has what it takes to be the best flyweight on the planet.
KaraFrance returns to the Octagon this weekend to headline a UFC card for the first time.
He takes on Amir Albazi with the winner likely to earn a shot at the flyweight title.
The New Zealander is coming off a loss to champion Brandon Moreno in July last year. The City Kickboxing star said that fight could have easily gone his way.
‘‘A lot of positives we have taken away from that last fight where it just showed we are right there the best guys. If things went a bit differently, I could be here with the belt now.
‘‘It’s just what happens at the highest level of sport. It is a game of inches.’’
KaraFrance is itching for action and believes the spotlight on flyweight is long overdue.
‘‘It’s great that the flyweight division are having a main event slot because it’s one of the most exciting divisions in this in the UFC and it’s awesome that the UFC trust me to be able to deliver.
‘‘They know that I come for finishes, I come for knockouts and I’m always an exciting fight.’’
The 30yearold also had a bout cancelled in February. He said it was heartbreaking to not be available for UFC 284 in Perth due to injury.
KaraFrance said it had been a long road to full health.
‘‘It was one of the things that I had neglected in my career and have just now invested back into my body, mobility, stretching. I had to rest for about two months and then could slowly build again.’’
His opponent is ranked seventh in the flyweight rankings and is undefeated in the UFC, his only career loss a decision in 2019.
The fight will take place tomorrow. — RNZ