Kai Kara-France is in a different mindset as he prepares for his second UFC title bout. He says he’s at a much better place now, entering the biggest fight of his MMA career.
"I’m just doing it with more fire," Kara-France said.
Experience and Maturity
The 31-year-old veteran fighter has been fighting professionally for 15 years, but this time around, he feels more purposeful and driven. He attributes this change to gaining age and maturity through experience.
In 2022, Kara-France fought for a UFC interim title but was stopped by Brandon Moreno in the third round via TKO. However, he plans to use that experience and his new mentality to bring home the belt this time.
Embracing Pressure
Having previously fought for the belt gives Kara-France an understanding of what pressure feels like and what expectations are involved. This time around, instead of being overwhelmed by those feelings, he welcomes them as motivation.
"Last year I was still learning how to deal with all that stuff," Kara-France said during an interview at The MMA Report Podcast last month. "I’ve got another year under my belt now."
Upcoming Fight
The highly anticipated bout against Pantoja is set for next month during UFC International Fight Week. Getting an official date was a huge relief for Kara-France as it allows him to peak at the right moment while staying active without taking unnecessary risks such as injury or compromising his immune system through excessive training.
"It’s not like I’m going into camp early or anything," Kara-France said about training leading up to the fight. "I’m just going into camp when we need it."
Confidence in Experience
With years of experience under his belt, Kara-France is confident in his abilities and ready to take on Pantoja in pursuit of the championship title. He believes that having already experienced fighting on big stages will help him stay calm under pressure during high-stakes fights like this one against Pantoja.
"I’ve been there before," Kara-France said about fighting on big stages like Madison Square Garden or Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.
Kara-France’s experience in high-pressure situations positions him well for this upcoming fight, and he is determined to make the most of it.
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