How a Kiwi fighter who works closely with the New Zealand Warriors NRL team is ready to be the villain against Aussie Steve Erceg at UFC 305 in Perth

UFC star Kai Kara-France has always been a huge fan of the New Zealand Warriors – so when the NRL side asked him to be a wrestling coach, the Kiwi leapt at the opportunity.

Kara-France, 31, will fight Aussie Steve Erceg at UFC 305 in Perth this weekend, and the flyweight fighter – who is currently ranked fourth globally in his weight division – can’t wait to be the villain.

He joined the Warriors on the recommendation of Adam Blair last year, and has loved working with the likes of Shaun Johnson, Addin Fonua-Blake, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck behind closed doors.

‘I grew up watching this team and joining the staff was a dream come true,’ he told News Corp via Code Sports.

‘I’ve never played rugby league, but I grew up watching the sport and I’m just there to teach them quality wrestling work.

‘It’s about being efficient with your movements, and being more body-aware.

‘Being a part of a team has been great, hopefully we can work towards a premiership, that’s the goal.’

And when Kara-France suffered a bad concussion when training ahead of his UFC 293 bout last year, the Warriors aided his recovery.

Kara-France (right) will fight Aussie Steve Erceg at UFC 305 in Perth this weekend, and can’t wait to be the villain

The UFC star joined the Warriors on the recommendation of Adam Blair, and has loved working with the likes of Shaun Johnson, Addin Fonua-Blake, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 

Suffering nausea, dizziness and headaches, Kara-France met with the club’s neurologist, Dr. James Cunningham, who pinpointed his problem.

Cognitive tests proved that Kara-France needed to take a step back, with short walks his initial only form of approved exercise.

He then began jogging and weight training, before eventually returning to full contact sparring.

Kara-France even joined in on the club’s pre-season fitness program – and he is prepared for a hostile reception this weekend when he takes on Perth local Erceg.

‘All the boys are massive fans of fighting and the UFC… so there’s a mutual respect,’ he said. 

‘I’m sure they [Warriors] will be supporting me, there has been a real buy-in from them.’

UFC 305 will be staged at Perth’s RAC Arena on August 18.