Kai Kara-France impressed in his first round knockout win over Cody Garbrandt. Photo / Getty Images.
Kai Kara-France has spoiled the party.
Under the spotlight of the final UFC pay-per-view of the year, the Kiwi flyweight contender took his opportunity to impress, knocking out former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt in a little more than three minutes.
Garbrandt was making his debut in the 57kg weight class
after spending his entire professional career at 61kg, but the narrative had been set for his move earlier this year when he was given an immediate title shot in the lighter division.
After injury forced him out of the title opportunity, he was booked against No 6-ranked Kara-France and, in the pre-fight promotional packages, Garbrandt laid out his expectations plainly: Kara-France was supposed to be a sacrificial pawn on his way to a title shot.
Instead, the Kiwi showed why he has earned the nickname Don't Blink, decimating Garbrandt in the opening round and sending him to the canvas three times before referee Herb Dean ultimately called off the fight.
