Kara-France defeated at UFC 245

Kai Kara-France lost a close decision to Brandon Moreno today at UFC 245 in what was a back-and-forth slugfest.

Both men came out swinging with ill intent from the opening bell, neither willing to give ground. The action was closely-matched, until later in the first round when Kara-France clocked Moreno on the chin with a crisp right hand set up off his jab, sitting him on his backside on the canvas briefly. Ever patient, Kara-France stuck to his gameplan, landing another heavy right hand to the chin of Moreno to take round 1. 10-9 Kara-France.

Round 2 saw Moreno hold the centre of the octagon with Kara-France circling outside the black lines. Moreno had much more success, dealing damage to the body and crashing his left high kick into the guard of Kara-France. A relentless pace was set by Moreno, who bloodied the nose of Kara-France with an accurate jab and repeatedly smashed his shin into the forearms. 10-9 Moreno.

Round 3 saw more of the same, with Moreno riding his momentum and keeping the pressure on Kara-France, stalking him and using his superior reach to great effect. Kara-France had his moments, but it was Moreno who was the damage-dealer, seemingly unfazed by the power of his opponent, pushing forward and spattering Kara-France's face with blood. They both threw strikes until the final bell. 10-9 Moreno.

After the bell sounded they came together for a blood-soaked hug in a show of respect. While Moreno was victorious today, it was due to his fight IQ, gameplan, and talent, not any lack of skill on Kara-France's part. Both men displayed elite skills in an early Fight of the Night candidate.

Written by Harry Greenfield

Harry Greenfield is New Zealand Fighter’s Executive Editor. Residing in Christchurch, he has a passion for combat sports, especially MMA, and is our man on the scene down south.

Promoters wishing to contact Harry can reach him at: harry@nzfighter.co.nz