Kai Kara-France's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 21, 2025

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Kai Kara-France. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

James Kaiwhare "Kai" Kara-France is a New Zealand professional mixed martial artist who competes in the flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of December 5, 2023, he is ranked #4 in the UFC flyweight rankings. Kara-France is a notable contender in the flyweight division.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

November 2010: First MMA Fight

In November 2010, Kai Kara-France began his professional MMA career in Auckland, securing a first-round TKO victory over Ray Kaitiana.

2016: The Ultimate Fighter Tournament

In 2016, Kara-France participated in The Ultimate Fighter: Tournament of Champions. He won his first fight with a 30-second KO over Terrence Mitchell, but lost his quarterfinal fight against Alexandre Pantoja by decision.

December 2018: UFC Debut

On December 1, 2018, Kai Kara-France made his UFC debut at UFC Fight Night against Elias Garcia, after Ashkan Mokhtarian was pulled from the fight due to injury. Kara-France won by unanimous decision, and both fighters earned US$50,000 Fight of the Night bonuses.

February 2019: UFC 234 Victory

On February 10, 2019, Kai Kara-France faced Raulian Paiva at UFC 234, winning the fight via split decision.

August 2019: UFC Fight Night Victory

On August 31, 2019, Kai Kara-France faced Mark De La Rosa at UFC Fight Night: Andrade vs. Zhang. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

February 2020: UFC Fight Night 168 Win

On February 23, 2020, Kai Kara-France faced Tyson Nam at UFC Fight Night 168 and won the fight via unanimous decision.

September 2020: UFC 253 Loss

On September 27, 2020, at UFC 253, Kai Kara-France faced Brandon Royval and lost via submission in the second round, earning the Fight of the Night award.

March 2021: UFC 259 Victory

On March 6, 2021, at UFC 259, Kai Kara-France faced Rogério Bontorin and won the fight via knockout in the first round, earning the Performance of the Night award.

December 2021: UFC 269 Win

On December 11, 2021, at UFC 269, Kai Kara-France faced former UFC Bantamweight Champion Cody Garbrandt and won the fight via TKO in the first round, also earning his second consecutive Performance of the Night bonus award.

March 2022: UFC on ESPN 33 Win

On March 26, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 33, Kai Kara-France faced Askar Askarov and won the fight via unanimous decision, handing Askarov his first professional loss.

July 2022: UFC 277 Loss

On July 30, 2022, at UFC 277, Kai Kara-France faced Brandon Moreno in a rematch for the interim UFC Flyweight Championship. He lost the fight via TKO in the third round. The bout earned him his fourth Fight of the Night award.

August 2024: UFC 305 Win

On August 18, 2024, Kai Kara-France faced Steve Erceg at UFC 305. He won the fight by technical knockout in the first round, earning another Performance of the Night award.