UFC 277 press conference: All the key quotes from title challenger Kai Kara-France
DALLAS – If Kai Kara-France wants a UFC belt around his waist, he’ll have to do it by going through someone with a win over him.
Kara-France (24-9 MMA, 7-2 UFC) takes on former champion Brandon Moreno (19-6-2 MMA, 7-3-2 UFC) for the interim flyweight title with champ Deiveson Figueiredo currently sidelined. The two first fought in 2019, when Moreno won a unanimous decision. In the rematch at UFC 277, Moreno is more than a 2-1 favorite at Tipico Sportsbook.
Thursday, Moreno and Kara-France faced off verbally at the UFC 277 pre-fight news conference in Dallas. Then they faced off physically with a staredown ahead of Friday’s weigh-ins and Saturday’s co-main event.
UFC 277 takes place Saturday at American Airlines Center in Dallas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ABC/ESPN and early prelims on ESPN+.
Check out all the quotes from Kara-France at the UFC 277 press conference below, as well as a video replay of the event.
UFC 277 pre-fight press conference replay
Kara-France on what will be different from first fight
Dec 14, 2019; Las Vegas, NV, USA; (Editor’s Note: Graphic Image) Kai Kara-France (blue gloves) reacts during his bout against Brandon Moreno (not pictured) during UFC 245 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
“The Kai that fought Brandon back in 2019 isn’t the same Kai that’s standing in front of you today. I’ve got so much more experience now. Being a father, being a husband, I’ve got more purpose and I’m just on another level. Congrats for Brandon for what he’s done since we fought, going on to win the title. But it’s my time. Dallas, Texas – I love being out here. I’m a long way from home, but I’ll show you why I’m the best in the world.”
Kara-France on how he expects Moreno to be different
Dec 14, 2019; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Brandon Moreno (red gloves) fights Kai Kara-France (blue gloves) during UFC 245 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
“Brandon’s most dangerous weapon is his mindset. This guy’s a dog. I expect it to be a dogfight. Come Saturday, we’ll find out.”
Kara-France on his champion teammates influencing him
“I’ve got great teammates, great world champions – Israel (Adesanya) and Alex (Volkanovski). But I’ve got my own belt to win. I put myself in this position. I earned this. I didn’t just sit back and wait for my title shot. I went out there and showed everyone why I’m the next contender. I’ve been on this journey for over 10 years now, and I just feel like it’s my time.”
Kara-France on paying his dues
Kai Kara-France
“I earned this. I didn’t just sit back and wait. I went out there and showed everyone why I’m the next contender. That’s why I’m fighting for this belt. He can just sit back and be on my prelims (after we fight). … Come Saturday, Brandon will be saying, ‘Noooo! My belt! My belt!’ That’s what he’ll be saying.”
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