Kai Kara-France after his win against Tyson Nam in 2020. Photo: photosport
New Zealand mixed martial artist Kai Kara-France will headline a UFC card in Las Vegas.
The flyweight, with a record of 24 wins, 10 losses and one no contest, will take on the number seven ranked Iraqi Amir Albazi (16-1) at the Apex on June 3.
Kara-France is fresh off an interim title shot against reigning flyweight king Brandon Moreno at UFC 277 in July last year.
The City Kickboxing star looked to have the champion in trouble before Moreno landed a nasty kick to the liver, ending the bout in the third round.
Albazi meanwhile has gone 4-0 since joining the UFC in 2020.
Kai Kara-France fighting Tyson Nam in 2020. Photo: photosport
Kara-France, (Waikato, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Ātiawa) told MMA podcast "Who the fook are these guys?" that he is hungry to get back in the title conversation.
"I'm going to go out there and remind everyone why I'm the best in the world."
Albazi told Swedish MMA outlet MMAnytt that Kai is a very good opponent, and a good test.
"He has fought many veterans and also fought for the (interim) title. His strength is in the stand-up, and his weakness is his grappling, where I thrive so it will be a battle of wills. I will maul him until I choke him out."