Kai Kara France Bio
James Kaiwhare Kara-France, born on 26 March 1993 in Auckland, New Zealand, is a professional mixed martial artist competing in the flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Known by his ring name “Don’t Blink,” he has been active in MMA since 2010 and fights out of Auckland, representing City Kickboxing.
Early Life and Background
Kai Kara France began practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu at age 10 but stopped after two years. During high school at Mount Albert Grammar School, he faced bullying due to his small stature, which motivated him to train in mixed martial arts more broadly. He briefly attended Unitec Institute of Technology before dropping out to pursue MMA full-time. Kara-France is of Māori descent, with ties to Waikato, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Kahungunu, and Tūhoe.
Path to MMA
In November 2010, Kara-France started his professional MMA career in Auckland with a first-round TKO victory. After seeing a Facebook post about a scholarship at Tiger Muay Thai gym, he applied and earned the opportunity to train in Phuket, Thailand, beginning in 2013. There, he built his record by competing across Asia and the Pacific. His early career included participation in The Ultimate Fighter: Tournament of Champions in 2016, where he won his first fight by knockout but lost in the quarterfinals.
Kai Kara France Career
Early Career (2010–2016)
Kara-France launched his professional career with a strong start in Auckland, quickly establishing himself as a promising fighter. His move to Tiger Muay Thai in Thailand provided him with rigorous training and exposure to international competition. This period was crucial for his development, allowing him to refine his skills and gain valuable fight experience.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2018–Present)
Kai Kara France signed with the UFC in July 2018 and debuted in December of that year at UFC Fight Night: dos Santos vs. Tuivasa. He won his first UFC fight against Elias Garcia by unanimous decision, earning Fight of the Night honors. Over the following years, he secured notable wins against Raulian Paiva, Mark De La Rosa, Tyson Nam, Rogério Bontorin, and former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt, earning multiple Performance of the Night bonuses. His fighting style combines striking and grappling, supported by his blue belt rank in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Kara-France has faced setbacks, including losses to Brandon Moreno and Brandon Royval, but has remained a top contender in the flyweight division.
City Kickboxing Era (2016–Present)
Since 2016, Kara-France has trained with City Kickboxing in Auckland, a team known for producing elite fighters. This partnership has been instrumental in his growth and success in the UFC. His recent performances include a first-round technical knockout win over Steve Erceg in August 2024, which earned him another Performance of the Night award. Despite injuries and a controversial decision loss to Amir Albazi in 2023, he continues to be a prominent figure in the division.
Driving Style and Strengths
Kai Kara France is known for his aggressive and dynamic fighting style, blending striking power with solid grappling skills. His blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu complements his stand-up game, allowing him to adapt to various opponents. He excels in fast-paced fights and has a reputation for resilience and finishing ability.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his UFC tenure, Kara-France has earned multiple Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses. Key moments include his knockout victory over Rogério Bontorin and his upset win over former champion Cody Garbrandt. He has also competed for the interim UFC Flyweight Championship, demonstrating his status as a top contender.
Kai Kara France Career Wins
Kai Kara France has amassed a professional record of 25 wins and 12 losses, with victories coming by knockout, submission, and decision. His UFC career features several highlight wins that have solidified his reputation in the flyweight division.
UFC Highlights
Since joining the UFC in 2018, Kara-France has recorded multiple wins, including notable knockouts and unanimous decisions. His first UFC win was against Elias Garcia, and his most recent confirmed victory was a technical knockout over Steve Erceg in 2024. He has competed in high-stakes bouts, including a title fight rematch against Brandon Moreno.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining the UFC, Kara-France built his record fighting across Asia and the Pacific, gaining experience and honing his skills. His early career victories set the foundation for his rise to the UFC’s elite flyweight ranks.
Kai Kara France Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Kara-France’s family background beyond his Māori heritage are limited. His cultural roots connect him to several Māori iwi, reflecting his New Zealand identity.
Personal Life
Kai Kara France is married to Chardae, and the couple has a son. They reside in Auckland, New Zealand.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Kara-France was scheduled to face Alexandre Pantoja for the UFC Flyweight Championship. The bout was rescheduled multiple times and eventually took place on 28 June 2025, where Kara-France lost via submission. Following this, he announced a year-long hiatus from competition to focus on personal matters and was removed from the UFC rankings. His future return remains anticipated by fans and analysts alike.