Kai Kara France Thinks Cody Garbrandt Win Puts Him ‘In Line’ for Flyweight Title

Kai Kara France may have been the so-called “B-side” heading into his UFC 269 matchup with Cody Garbrandt, but he changed perceptions in relatively short order on Saturday night.

Kara France earned the most high-profile victory of his career to date, as he defeated the former bantamweight title holder via first-round technical knockout in a featured bout at the T-Mobile Arena. The City Kickboxing member floored “No Love” with an overhand right during an early exchange and then later put Garbrandt away with a salvo of heavy punches against the fence at the 3:21 mark of Round 1.

“I had to go to the body first. I know he’s got good head movement, one of the best boxers in the UFC,” Kara France said in a post-fight interview. “So I knew the head would be moving a lot, but the chest and the body, it’s gonna stay still. I had to pick my spots. Once I landed the first right hand, he’s wobbled. I thought, OK it could be finishing here.

“Thankfully I was able to get a finish, another first-round knockout, another ‘Don’t Blink’ moment. Just carrying on this momentum, and it’s not too late to jump on the hype train.”

It was a rough flyweight debut for Garbrandt, who has now lost four of his five Octagon appearances.

“All the respect to Cody Garbrandt, such a legend of the sport,” Kara France said. “But like I said in the press conferences and the weigh-ins, it’s my time. I just told him, nothing but love. I know his nickname’s ‘No Love.’ I said nothing but love and respect, you’re a legend of the sport.”

It’s quite possible that Garbrandt — a UFC favorite — might have been fast tracked to a title shot with a win. Kara France wants to receive the same treatment following a finish over a marquee name.

“I just knew what was stake, fighting a former champ,” Kara France said. “This puts me in line for the title. I train with world champions day in and day out. I know what it takes. I’ve just been so focused for the last four months. This is all I’ve been thinking about: getting a highlight-reel finish on a former world champion.”