The highly anticipated UFC debut of flyweight Kai Kara France beckons while New Zealand-born heavyweight Mark Hunt's final curtain call awaits.
New Zealand UFC fighters Kai Kara France & Mark Hunt Photo: RNZ
Flyweight fighter Kai Kara France will absorb UFC Fight Night 142 in Adelaide like no other.
For two years he has waited to return to the bright lights of the world's largest MMA promotion, first appearing on season 24 of the UFC's Ultimate Fighter series.
Four months ago France was surprised by his City Kickboxing head coach Eugene Bareman with a recorded message by UFC CEO Dana White granting him a contract leaving France waiting in anticipation ever since.
But it wouldn't be a journey for France without speedbumps along the way.
The 25-year-old was poised to face Australian Ashkan Mokhtarian but a late injury ejection saw matchers scrambling to find another opponent in time. Success was found with American Elias Garcia who will be looking to avenge his debut loss earlier this year, the 26-year-old is also cousin to former lightweight champion Anthony Pettis.
France winning fight via knock out on the UFC series 'The Ultimate Fighter' Photo: Facebook - Kai Kara France
In a night that will see New Zealand make mixed martial arts history with its first ever flyweight entering the octagon, France will always remember he shared this card with New Zealand-born heavyweight Mark Hunt who will make his final UFC appearance.
The tenth ranked stalwart put New Zealand on the MMA map with a successful kickboxing career on promotions K1, PRIDE and DREAM and will finish his UFC career after more than 14 years as a professional fighter.
Hunt (13-13-1-1NC) made his UFC debut on September 25 2010. Eight years later at 44 years old he is the oldest serving fighter preparing to face 15th ranked 31-year-old American Justin Willis (7-1-0).
NZ heavyweight Mark Hunt during his win over Derrick Lewis Photo: © Copyright Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz Photosport Ltd 2017
The hunt for a heavyweight title was always on the South Aucklanders mind but was never to be.
After 18 appearances for the promotion, Hunt fought for the gold strap four years ago accepting a fight on short notice against former champion Fabricio Werdum in Mexico. After an unsuccessful result the opportunity never came knocking again.
Despite a long legal battle with the UFC Hunt won't leave the octagon on a sour note. His last fight in Auckland in June 2017 saw him knock out Derrick Lewis winning Fight of the Night in front of a roaring home crowd, something he will surely look to emulate at his adopted home Australia in his final swan song.
Hunt will join fellow Samoan teammates light heavyweight Tyson Pedro who will face Mauricio Rua and the man said to be accepting the Hunt torch Tai Tuivasa fighting Junior Dos Santos as the main event.
- RNZ