Kai Kara France after defeating Raulian Paiva at UFC 234 at Rod Laver Arena Melbourne in 2019. Photo: Brendon Ratnayake / www.photosport.nz
Kai Kara-France has been sharpening his tools for almost two decades, and now says it is finally time to carve his name into history.
The Kiwi will fight Brazilian champion Alexandre Pantoja for flyweight gold at UFC 317 on 29 June.
"It's time to eat and I'm hungry. I'm starving. 15 years I've prepared me for this and it's a different mode I'm feeding off. I've got to attack this and go and take it from the guy."
With 13 knockouts in a division that rarely sees them, Kara-France is hunting number 14 - and the belt that comes with it.
"I've been a professional 15 years now fighting, 15 years to prepare for this," Kara-France said.
The 32-year-old said the name standing across from him was irrelevant.
"Every time I step in there, it's me against myself. I don't really look at my opponent in much detail. My coaches and my team do that. I just focus on what I can control, bringing my best mentally, physically, and spiritually. I've figured that out in the fight game. It's usually who can do that is who gets their hand raised."
He said he knew he possessed a weapon which could end the fight in an instant.
"Something I've got in my back pocket is 13 knockouts in the flyweight division where there's not many knockouts. Pantoja's never been finished in the UFC, never been knocked out. I want to be the first one to do it. I know he's going to bring it to me, but I've got that in my back pocket waiting for him, ready to land that shot."
It's been a rough road to a second title shot for Kara-France, who has recently battled the effects of multiple concussions throughout his career, sidelining him for 14 months.
"All these things you have to go through to gain experience and knowledge, but it was being honest with yourself, knowing where you truly are at and not thinking you're invincible."
He said his journey has simply hardened his resolve.
Kai Kara-France at UFC 234 media call at City Kickboxing. Photo: ALAN_LEE
"I haven't had an undefeated record, I've built my way up. I've had to fight for it. When you've tasted it, all the wins, the losses, the speed bumps, when you get in there, you're unshakeable because you've tasted it all."
Kara-France (25-11-1), is 1-2 in his last three trips to the octagon, however his most recent appearance was an emphatic TKO of Australian contender Steve Erceg in August of last year.
His first shot at gold ended abruptly when Brandon Moreno connected with a picture perfect liver kick at UFC 277 in July 2022.
"Before that it was probably my best round. I cut him. His face was all bloodied and bruised, but he's a tough guy. He's a fighter and he did well to capitalise on that moment, getting underneath my elbow and took my breath away. But it just showed that I'm right there with the best guys and how close this division is. Anyone could be anyone."
The flyweight title fight will co-main event the card, with the lightweight also on the line between Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria.
"Don't count me out. I've had injuries and had setbacks, I'm still one of the best guys. And the UFC rewarded me with a co-main event on the biggest card of the year."
Pantoja (29-5) will be looking for a fourth consecutive defence, having taken the title from Moreno before seeing off challenges from Brandon Royval, Erceg and Kai Asakura.
This won't be the first clash between Kara-France and Pantoja, the pair meeting in a two round exhibition bout on The Ultimate Fighter in 2016, the Kiwi on the end of a unanimous decision loss.
France winning fight via knock out on the UFC series "The Ultimate Fighter". Photo: Facebook - Kai Kara France
"A lot's happened since nine years. He's obviously become a world champion. I've progressed in my career, I've found my feet where I'm knocking guys out and living up to my nickname."
Nine years later, the rematch takes place on one of the biggest cards of 2025.
"It's a cool storyline. I get to run this back. We have shared the octagon and I felt his power, felt his world-class jujitsu and I did well in that fight to scramble and get back to my feet. Standup was quite equal, but it's all different now. I think I've refined my skillset to know that I can take out most guys."
Kara-France said he had nothing but respect for Pantoja.
"We have shared cards before and it's nothing personal. He is a family man and I respect that he's been a great champion, but this fight's bigger than me."
However, while he may respect him, 'Don't Blink' intends to be ruthless once the cage door closes.
"I'm going out there to attack this and just I'm ready for a fight. I know Pantoja is going to be tough and come forward, but I feel like that's what's going to make him vulnerable and it's going to leave openings where I can find that shot. So 13 knockouts on my record, about to be 14."
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