City Kickboxing staple Kai Kara-France (20-8-0) returns this Sunday at UFC Fight Night 168 to take on a man on a similar mission of redemption: Tyson Nam (18-10-1).

Both Kara-France and Nam will be looking to stamp their place back in the win column in the UFC Flyweight division, after each coming off losses in their previous bouts.

The Match-Up

Both men are known as favouring their striking. Tyson Nam has 10 knockouts on his professional MMA record; albeit with none of them having occurred in the UFC. In his last UFC fight, Nam was outmanoeuvred by veteran striker Sergio Pettis for three rounds, losing a clear 30-27 decision.

While it could be argued that Kara-France does not possess quite the striking pedigree that Pettis does, his feinting and shot selection is high-level, training amongst the world’s elite at CKB Auckland. Additionally, his nickname ‘Don’t Blink’ is derived from his own nine professional MMA knockout victories; all likewise achieved before he entered the UFC.

Stats

Other than a slight height advantage for Nam offset by a slight reach advantage for Kara-France, the most marked difference in the two men’s career statistics is in the striking accuracy department.

Kara-France lands almost twice as many significant strikes per minute, has almost twice the striking accuracy, and absorbs less significant strikes per minute than Nam.

In addition to the above, Tyson Nam is 10 years older than Kai Kara-France (36/26), which likely means the speed advantage will go to the younger man.

Betting Odds

The TAB currently lists the odds for the bout as follows: Kai Kara-France (1.33) vs Tyson Nam (3.10).

Keep an eye on this as the week progresses, as the odds and options will change closer to the fight.

The Verdict

The bookies have this one right. Kai Kara-France should have the advantage on the feet here, with Nam not particularly well-known for his wrestling. The striking statistics, coupled with the age differential, mean the Kai Kara-France is likely to win this one comfortably.

After losing a close decision in his last outing, don’t count on Kara-France taking risks to stop Nam inside the three-round limit, but don’t be surprised if he comfortably out-points him over 15 minutes.

Prediction: Kai Kara-France by decision.

Note that the above is provided for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute betting advice.