The UFC’s return to Australia has taken another hit with Kai Kara-France’s withdrawal from his planned flyweight matchup with Alex Perez.
Kara-France (24-10 MMA, 7-3 UFC) announced on Thursday that he’s suffered an injury that will prevent him from competing against Perez (23-7 MMA, 5-3 UFC) at UFC 284, which takes place Feb. 11 in Perth and airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.
Unfortunately due to injury, I’ve had to pull out of my up coming fight in Perth. I’m gutted I won’t be able to fight in front of everyone in Aus. To everyone who supports me, Im sorry. This has been frustrating but i know I’m making the right decision. Hopefully me and @alexperezmma can run it back next year. Enjoy the holidays, stay safe and will see you back in the Octagon 2023. Much love everyone! ❤️
The scratch marks the second notable fight this week to be removed from UFC 284. The planned featured fight between Robert Whittaker and Paulo Costa was called off after Costa revealed he would not be competing due to a contract dispute with the promotion.
For Perez, it’s unknown at this time if he will remain on the card and receive a new opponent. The former 125-pound title challenger has had 10 targeted fight dates canceled since the beginning of 2020.
The latest UFC 284 lineup now includes:
- Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski – for lightweight title
- Yair Rodriguez vs. Josh Emmett – for interim featherweight title
- Zhang Mingyang vs. Tyson Pedro
- Jack Jenkins vs. Don Shainis
- Parker Porter vs. Justin Tafa
- Josh Culibao vs. Melsik Baghdasaryan
- Jimmy Crute vs. Alonzo Menifield
- Shannon Ross vs. Kleydson Rodrigues
- Alex Perez vs. opponent TBA
- Loma Lookboonmee vs. Elise Reed
