Kai Kara-France won’t get the chance to fight at home after all.
The one-time interim flyweight title challenger revealed Thursday that he won’t be able to compete at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia, due to an injury that has forced him out of his scheduled matchup against Alex Perez on Feb. 11.
“Unfortunately due to injury, I’ve had to pull out of my upcoming fight in Perth,” Kara-France wrote on Instagram. “I am devastated that I will not be able fight in front everyone in Australia.
“To everyone who supports me, I’m sorry. This has been frustrating but I know I’m making the right decision. Hopefully me and Alex Perez can run it back next year. Have a safe holiday. Will see you back in the Octagon 2023. Much love everyone!”
Perez’s fate is unknown. He could be bumped or remain on the card with a new opponent.
Kara-France dropping off the card is the second major hit UFC 284 has taken this week with another local fighter being forced out of the event.
On Monday Robert Whittaker, an ex-UFC champion in the middleweight division was pulled from UFC 232 after his fight against Paulo Costa was cancelled. Costa never actually agreed to the fight under the terms of his current contract and he couldn’t come to terms with the UFC on a new deal.
The fight was canceled. Whittaker stated that UFC wanted to book Whittaker for another matchup in March or April.
There will be plenty more local talent in February with UFC champion Alexander Volkanovski taking on Islam Makhachev, the lightweight king.
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/12/22/23523353/kai-kara-france-says-hes-out-of-ufc-284-in-australia-due-to-injury?rand=96749
