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Tom Taylor

New Zealand’s Kai Kara-France spoiled Cody Garbrandt’s flyweight debut in devastating fashion on Saturday night in Las Vegas.
Welcoming the American former bantamweight champion to the UFC’s lightest men’s division in the second bout of the UFC 269 main card, the 28-year-old “Don’t Blink” was a picture of dominance, lighting Garbrandt up with a slick striking attack en route to a vicious first-round knockout win.


The referee intervened at the 3:21 mark, as a dazed “No Love” struggled to find his bearings on the canvas.
“I told you I’m going to answer a lot of questions tonight,” an emotional Kara-France told commentator Joe Rogan in his post-fight interview.

WOOOOOWWW 😱@kaikarafrance spoiled Cody Garbrandt's flyweight debut! #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/Y0txpt7knE
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 12, 2021

In victory, Kara-France (23-9) is now on a two-fight streak, having picked up a first-round knockout win over Rogerio Bontorin at UFC 259 in March.
With two impressive wins behind him, the City Kickboxing product believes he has earned a crack at the flyweight title, which will next be up for grabs when Brandon Moreno (19-5-2) defends against former champ Deiveson Figueiredo (20-2) at UFC 270 in January.

Kara-France has some history with the current champion, having lost a competitive unanimous decision to the Mexican in December of 2019.
“I know I’m the best in the world and taking out a former world champ puts me right in line for a title shot,” Kara-France told Rogan.

While Kara-France will return to New Zealand with a reason to celebrate, the mood in the Garbrandt (12-5) household is likely to be much more dour.
The former bantamweight king has now lost five of his last six fights. The move down to flyweight was intended to serve as a fresh start, but instead, he now finds his UFC career on life support.


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Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)

UFC 269: Kai Kara-France spoils Cody Garbrandt’s flyweight debut with KO, calls for title shot

Cody Garbrandt gets knocked back by Kai Kara-France during their flyweight bout at UFC 269. Photo: AP/Chase Stevens

Kai Kara-France punches Cody Garbrandt in their flyweight fight at UFC 269. Photo: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images/AFP

Cody Garbrandt is checked by officials after being knocked out by Kai Kara-France. Photo: AP/Chase Stevens

UFC 269: Dominick Cruz thanks referee Marc Goddard ‘for giving me a chance to rebound’ and beat Pedro Munhoz

Dominick Cruz is declared the winner by unanimous decision against Pedro Munhoz at UFC 269. Photo: Stephen R Sylvanie/USA TODAY Sports

Dominick Cruz punches Pedro Munhoz during their bantamweight fight at UFC 269 event in Las Vegas, Nevada. Carmen Mandato/Getty Images/AFP 

UFC 269: Sean O’Malley ‘tees off like Canelo’ to stop Raulian Paiva in round one

Sean O’Malley celebrates after his TKO victory against Raulian Paiva at UFC 269. Photo: Stephen R Sylvanie/USA TODAY Sports

Sean O’Malley finishes Raulian Paiva via TKO during their bantamweight bout at UFC 269. Photo: AP/Chase Stevens

Sean O’Malley celebrates his knockout victory over Raulian Paiva. Photo: AFP

UFC 269: Tai Tuivasa extends streak with KO of Augusto Sakai, drinks ‘shoey’ and declares ‘let’s party’

Tai Tuivasa drinks from his shoe as he celebrates his knockout victory over Augusto Sakai at UFC 269 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: AFP

Tai Tuivasa exchanges punches with Augusto Sakai during their heavyweight fight at UFC 269. Photo: AFP

Sport

Martial Arts

Mixed Martial Arts


New Zealand’s ‘Don’t Blink’ stuns American former bantamweight champion in the first round in Las Vegas
‘I know I’m the best in the world and taking out a former world champ puts me right in line for a title shot,’ Kara-France says



New Zealand’s Kai Kara-France spoils former bantamweight champ Cody Garbrandt’s flyweight debut with a first-round knockout, and says ‘I know I’m the best in the world’.
