Kai Kara-France, known as “Don’t Blink,” is one of the most exciting flyweights in the UFC. Hailing from New Zealand, he’s built a reputation for his knockout power, resilience, and humble attitude both inside and outside the octagon. Here’s a comprehensive look at his life, career, earnings, and more.
Kai Kara-France’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | James Kaiwhare Kara-France |
| Nickname | Don’t Blink |
| Date of Birth | March 26, 1993 |
| Age | 32 years |
| College | Unitec Institute of Technology (dropped out) |
| Religion | N/A |
| Nationality | New Zealand |
| Height | 5’4″ (163 cm) |
| Turned Pro | November 2010 |
| Net Worth | $500,000 – $1,000,000 |
| Salary (Recent) | $400,000 base (UFC 317) |
| Spouse | Chardae |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Children | 1 son (Cobi) |
| @kaikarafrance |
Early Career
Kai Kara-France began martial arts at age 10, initially focusing on Brazilian jiu-jitsu. After being bullied in high school, he turned to mixed martial arts for confidence and discipline. He attended Mount Albert Grammar School and briefly studied at Unitec Institute of Technology before dropping out to pursue MMA full-time. His early pro fights were in Auckland, and after winning a Tiger Muay Thai scholarship, he moved to Thailand in 2013, fighting across Asia and the Pacific to build his reputation.
Professional Career
Kara-France’s professional debut came in 2010 with a first-round TKO. He fought in various promotions, including Cage Warriors and Rizin FF, before joining the UFC. His big break came in 2016 on The Ultimate Fighter: Tournament of Champions, where he scored a 30-second KO but exited in the quarterfinals.
Since joining the UFC in 2018, he’s become a top contender, known for his striking and heart. Notable wins include Cody Garbrandt and Steve Erceg, while his rivalries with Brandon Moreno and Alexandre Pantoja have defined his run. As of mid-2025, he holds a UFC record of 8-4, with a pro record of 25-11-1 NC, and recently challenged for the flyweight title.
Wife
Kai Kara-France is married to Chardae. The couple tied the knot in a backyard wedding during the pandemic and share a son named Cobi. Kara-France is private about his family life but occasionally posts about them on Instagram, expressing gratitude for their support.
Kai Kara-France’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Kai Kara-France’s net worth is estimated between $500,000 and $1,000,000. This includes fight purses, performance bonuses, sponsorships, and endorsements.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Event | Year | Purse | Win Bonus | PPV/Bonus | Total Earnings |
| Elias Garcia | UFC Fight Night 142 | 2018 | $12,000 | $12,000 | — | $24,000 |
| Raulian Paiva | UFC 234 | 2019 | $24,000 | $24,000 | — | $48,000 |
| Mark De La Rosa | UFC Fight Night 157 | 2019 | $30,000 | $30,000 | — | $60,000 |
| Brandon Moreno | UFC 245 | 2019 | $38,000 | — | — | $38,000 |
| Tyson Nam | UFC Fight Night 168 | 2020 | $48,000 | $48,000 | — | $96,000 |
| Brandon Royval | UFC 253 | 2020 | $75,000 | — | — | $75,000 |
| Rogerio Bontorin | UFC 259 | 2021 | $75,000 | $75,000 | — | $150,000 |
| Cody Garbrandt | UFC 269 | 2021 | $85,000 | $85,000 | — | $170,000 |
| Askar Askarov | UFC on ESPN 33 | 2022 | $85,000 | $85,000 | — | $170,000 |
| Brandon Moreno | UFC 277 | 2022 | $150,000 | — | $82,000 bonus | $232,000 |
| Amir Albazi | UFC on ESPN 46 | 2023 | $210,000 | — | — | $210,000 |
| Steve Erceg | UFC 305 | 2024 | $300,000 | — | — | $300,000 |
| Alexandre Pantoja | UFC 317 | 2025 | $400,000 | — | $100k–$300k PPV | $600k–$700,000 |
Endorsements
- Onnys.co (clothing brand)
- Sneaker Mode (New Zealand sneaker retailer)
- Dhillon Dai Developments (real estate)
- Local New Zealand and Australian businesses (via social media)
Career Records
| Opponent | Result | Method | Event | Date |
| Steve Erceg | Win | TKO (punches) | UFC 305 | Aug 18, 2024 |
| Amir Albazi | Loss | Decision (split) | UFC on ESPN | Jun 3, 2023 |
| Brandon Moreno | Loss | TKO (body kick, punches) | UFC 277 | Jul 30, 2022 |
| Askar Askarov | Win | Decision (unanimous) | UFC on ESPN | Mar 26, 2022 |
| Cody Garbrandt | Win | TKO (punches) | UFC 269 | Dec 11, 2021 |
| Rogerio Bontorin | Win | KO (punches) | UFC 259 | Mar 6, 2021 |
| Brandon Royval | Loss | Submission (guillotine choke) | UFC 253 | Sep 27, 2020 |
| Tyson Nam | Win | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night | Feb 23, 2020 |
| Brandon Moreno | Loss | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 245 | Dec 14, 2019 |
| Mark De La Rosa | Win | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night | Aug 31, 2019 |
| Raulian Paiva | Win | Decision (split) | UFC 234 | Feb 10, 2019 |
| Elias Garcia | Win | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night | Dec 2, 2018 |
FAQs
1. Who is Kai Kara-France?
Kai Kara-France is a professional mixed martial artist from New Zealand who competes in the UFC flyweight division. He is known for his striking skills, resilience, and has been ranked among the top contenders in his weight class.
2. What is Kai Kara-France’s MMA record?
As of August 2024, Kai Kara-France has a professional MMA record of 24 wins and 9 losses, with several victories by knockout and decision.
3. What notable achievements does Kai Kara-France have in the UFC?
Kara-France has earned multiple Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses in the UFC. He has fought for both the interim and undisputed UFC Flyweight Championships, and is recognized for defeating former champions and top contenders.
4. What is Kai Kara-France’s fighting style and strengths?
He primarily utilizes kickboxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, with a reputation for powerful striking and excellent takedown defense. His significant strike accuracy and ability to finish fights by knockout are key strengths.
5. Has Kai Kara-France competed on The Ultimate Fighter?
Yes, he participated in The Ultimate Fighter: Tournament of Champions (Season 24), where he delivered the only knockout of the season in his first bout.
6. What is Kai Kara-France’s background and heritage?
He is of Māori descent, with connections to Waikato, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Kahungunu, and Tuhoe. He grew up in Auckland, New Zealand, and began martial arts after being bullied in school.
7. Which gym and team does Kai Kara-France represent?
He trains out of City Kickboxing in Auckland, New Zealand, a renowned gym that has produced several UFC champions and top fighters.
8. Who are some of Kai Kara-France’s most notable opponents?
He has faced elite fighters such as Brandon Moreno, Alexandre Pantoja, Cody Garbrandt, and Askar Askarov, securing wins over several former champions and top-ranked contenders.
9. Has Kai Kara-France fought for a UFC title?
Yes, he fought for the interim UFC Flyweight Championship against Brandon Moreno in July 2022 and for the undisputed title against Alexandre Pantoja in June 2025.
10. What is known about Kai Kara-France’s personal life?
He is married to Chardae and has a son named Cobi. He is also involved in promoting Māori culture, learning Te Reo, and working on media projects outside of fighting.