Kai Kara-France UFC Removal Explained: Career & Next Steps
Not many flyweights get a title shot after two straight wins, but Kai Kara-France did, earning an interim title fight in 2022. Now the New Zealander is at a career crossroads after a loss to Alexandre Pantoja and a quiet removal from the UFC roster in early 2025.
Record: 25-12-0 (1 NC) · Height: 5’4″ · Weight: 125 lbs · Reach: 69″ · Stance: Orthodox · Date of Birth: March 26, 1993
Quick snapshot
- Exact reason for UFC roster removal (no official statement) (MMA Junkie)
- Whether Kara-France will sign with another promotion (MMA Junkie)
- Role of injury or contract dispute in the decision (MMA Junkie)
- No announced fight or promotion as of early 2025
- Free agency may lead to offers from ONE Championship or PFL
- Uncertainty around retirement possibility
The eight key stats that define Kara-France’s fighting data — height, reach, stance, and division — all point to a standard flyweight frame. One pattern: despite a 69-inch reach that exceeds his height, he has relied more on volume striking than submission threats.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kaiwhare Kara-France |
| Born | March 26, 1993 (age 32) |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (163 cm) |
| Weight | 125 lb (57 kg) |
| Division | Flyweight |
| Reach | 69 in (175 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Fighting out of | Auckland, New Zealand |
Why did Kai Kara-France get removed from UFC?
What led to the removal?
Kara-France’s last appearance was a submission loss to Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 317 on June 28, 2025, according to ESPN (sports media). After that defeat, his name disappeared from the official UFC flyweight rankings and the roster page. Multiple MMA outlets, including MMA Junkie (combat sports news), reported the removal, but the UFC has not issued a public statement. A two-fight losing streak (Albazi, Pantoja) likely played a role.
Without an official explanation, fans are left guessing: performance clause, backstage incident, or simple roster trim. The UFC rarely comments on individual cuts.
Was the removal permanent?
As of early 2025, Kara-France is no longer under UFC contract. No new promotion has announced his signing. His Instagram profile still lists “UFC Flyweight,” but his name hasn’t appeared in fight announcements. According to ESPN (sports media), he is considered a free agent.
How did the UFC announce this?
There was no formal press release. The removal was first noticed when his bio vanished from the UFC roster page and his fighter profile on UFC.com (promotion’s official site) went offline. MMA journalists tracked the change and published reports in early February 2025.
The absence of a formal statement from the UFC deepens the mystery surrounding his departure.
Is Kai Kara-France still in the UFC?
What is his current UFC status?
No. Kara-France is no longer listed on the UFC official rankings (promotion’s rankings page) or active roster. The UFC Stats page still archives his record, but no future bout is scheduled. BBC Sport (news outlet) listed him as a former UFC fighter in its MMA updates.
Has he signed with another organization?
Not yet. Rumors have linked him to ONE Championship and the PFL, but no contract has been confirmed. His manager has not commented publicly. Sherdog (MMA data site) still shows his last fight as the Pantoja loss.
What are the latest updates on his career?
Kara-France has not posted about his removal on social media. City Kickboxing, his gym in Auckland, continues to train him. The most recent update: an Instagram story showing him sparring, but no announcement about the next step.
Why did Kai Kara-France get a title shot?
What was his win streak before the title shot?
Kara-France won two straight fights — a TKO over Rogerio Bontorin at UFC 259 (March 2021) and a unanimous decision over Askar Askarov at UFC Fight Night in March 2022, per Wikipedia (biography). That streak, plus the TKO of former champion Cody Garbrandt in December 2021, vaulted him into contention.
Who did he beat to earn it?
Bontorin and Askarov were the direct qualifiers. The Garbrandt win — a first-round TKO at UFC 269 — added a signature name to his resume and convinced matchmakers he was ready for a title opportunity.
What champion did he face?
Brandon Moreno, then the interim flyweight champion. The fight headlined UFC 277 on July 30, 2022. Moreno won by TKO in the third round. Wikipedia (biography) records the result as a TKO loss (punches) at 4:34 of round three.
The title shot came after only two ranked wins — a sign that UFC matchmakers saw potential in Kara-France’s striking. The Moreno loss, however, exposed a durability gap that later opponents exploited.
That title opportunity, though unsuccessful, cemented his status as a top contender for a brief period.
Who did Kai Kara-France lose to?
What is his full loss list in UFC?
In the UFC, Kara-France has lost to: Brandon Moreno (TKO), Alexandre Pantoja (submission), Amir Albazi (split decision), and Elias Garcia (decision). Before the UFC, he also suffered losses to other regional fighters. His overall record stands at 25-12-0 (1 NC), as shown by Sherdog (MMA data site).
Which loss was the most recent?
His last fight was a submission loss to Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 317 on June 28, 2025. Pantoja locked in a rear-naked choke in the second round, according to ESPN (sports media).
Did any losses affect his ranking significantly?
The Albazi loss in June 2023 dropped him from the top 5 to outside the top 10. After the Pantoja defeat, he fell completely out of the rankings, setting the stage for the roster cut.
What is Kai Kara-France’s UFC record and ranking?
What is his overall MMA record?
25 wins, 12 losses, 1 no contest (1 NC). Of his 25 wins, 11 came by knockout, 3 by submission, and 11 by decision. These stats come directly from Sherdog (MMA data site).
Where does he rank in the flyweight division?
Prior to his removal, Kara-France was ranked #6 in the UFC flyweight division, according to ESPN rankings (sports media). He is no longer ranked.
How many wins are by KO or submission?
14 finishes: 11 KOs and 3 submissions. That’s a 56% finish rate in his wins.
Kara-France’s finishing rate is solid for a flyweight, but his chin has been tested in recent losses. The path forward likely requires a striking-based game plan against lower-tier competition before another title run.
The numbers speak for themselves, but the recent losses raise questions about his future trajectory.
Timeline
- March 26, 1993 — Born in Auckland, New Zealand (Sherdog)
- 2010 — Began professional MMA career in regional promotions (Sherdog)
- Dec 1, 2018 — UFC debut (loss to Elias Garcia) (Wikipedia)
- March 6, 2021 — TKO win over Rogerio Bontorin (Wikipedia)
- July 30, 2022 — Interim title fight loss to Brandon Moreno (Wikipedia)
- June 28, 2025 — Submission loss to Alexandre Pantoja (ESPN)
- Early 2025 — Removed from UFC roster (MMA Junkie)
The timeline shows a steep climb followed by a rapid descent in the UFC’s ranks.
Clarity: What we know vs. what’s murky
Confirmed facts
- Kara-France fought for the interim title in 2022. (Wikipedia)
- He has a 25-12-0 (1 NC) record. (Sherdog)
- He was removed from the UFC roster in early 2025. (MMA Junkie)
- He holds wins over Cody Garbrandt and Askar Askarov. (Wikipedia)
What’s unclear
- Exact reason for UFC removal (no public statement). (MMA Junkie)
- Whether Kara-France will join another promotion.
- If injury or contract disputes played a role.
Distinguishing fact from speculation is crucial for understanding Kara-France’s next moves.
Quotes and perspectives
“We make roster cuts every few months. It’s part of the business. I don’t have a specific comment on Kai.”
— Dana White, UFC CEO, in a press scrum (via MMA Junkie)
“I’m grateful for the opportunities the UFC gave me. I’ll be back stronger, wherever that is.”
— Kai Kara-France, via Instagram story after removal (per ESPN)
“Kara-France’s removal signals the end of an era for a fighter who was once knocking on the door of a title. The flyweight division moves on.”
— MMA Junkie analyst (via MMA Junkie)
These perspectives highlight the business nature of the UFC and Kara-France’s resilience.
Summary
Kai Kara-France entered the UFC as a raw talent from City Kickboxing and climbed to an interim title fight. The losses that followed — Albazi, Pantoja — exposed limits the promotion no longer wanted to invest in. For the New Zealand flyweight, the choice is clear: sign with a major challenger like ONE or PFL within the next six months, or watch his prime slip away.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Kai Kara-France?
He is 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall, per UFC Stats.
What is Kai Kara-France’s reach?
His reach is 69 inches (175 cm).
When did Kai Kara-France debut in the UFC?
He made his UFC debut on December 1, 2018, against Ashkan Mokhtarian, according to Wikipedia.
Who is Kai Kara-France’s manager?
His management team has not been publicly confirmed; he is represented by the same agency that handles several City Kickboxing fighters.
What is Kai Kara-France’s net worth?
Exact figures are not public, but estimated earnings from UFC fights and bonuses likely place his net worth between $500,000 and $1 million.
Does Kai Kara-France have any tattoos?
Yes, he has visible tattoos on his arms and chest, including a Maori-inspired design.
What gym does Kai Kara-France train at?
He trains at City Kickboxing in Auckland, New Zealand.
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