After Controversial Kai Kara-France Decision, NZ MMA Federation Takes Huge Step; Israel Adesanya, Dan Hooker to Be Affected

Kai Kara-France’s loss to Amir Albazi in UFC Vegas 274 sparked a huge debate in the MMA world. Albazi won by split decision at the APEX facility in Las Vegas. The judges’ decision drove controversy and disappointment, with some calling it a ‘robbery’. On one hand, Dana White seemed pretty impressed with both the fighters, and deemed it a ‘super close fight.‘ But Israel Adesanya, UFC middleweight champion and Kara-France’s teammate – vented concerns about unfair judging – something that ruins fighters’ careers and dreams.

Adding fuel to the fire, the NZMMAF(New Zealand Mixed Martial Arts Federation) recently made a Facebook post that caught the attention of MMA pundits and journalists. In response to what the federation had “witnessed recently”, the NZMMAF decided to cut ties with the IMMAF(International Mixed Martial Arts Federation). But what could be the reason behind the sudden split?

A shocking twist: NZMMAF cuts ties with the IMMAF after controversial Kai Kara-France decision

The NZMMAF announced its resignation from the IMMAF on its Facebook page. They openly criticized the IMMAF, accusing them of “manipulating” their own systems, which led to a seemingly unfair judgment against Kara-France. The resignation has given birth to an uproar among fighters and MMA gurus.

The decision by national MMA federations to sever ties with the IMMAF may be linked to precursors to the event as well. In May, Australia and England also disassociated themselves following reports of an MMA coach convicted of raping a 15-year-old student in 2015.

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Svetoslav Zhelev, the 52-year-old coach, received a three-year prison sentence and a five-year probation period. Surprisingly, he continued coaching and became the head coach of the Bulgarian national team in 2021. Other MMA federations were displeased with a convicted rapist being appointed as a coach for a national youth team.

Another possible reason for the split could be the ‘IV controversy’ surrounding Islam Makhachev. Rumors about questionable actions and practices seem to have caught up with the UFC. The NZMMAF’s decision to break ties could be a direct response to these concerns.

While the exact reasons for the split are unclear, the overall response is not exactly positive. Particularly from New Zealand-origin MMA fighters like ‘Izzy’ and Dan Hooker, who left their homeland for better fights and pay. Without their national federation backing them, Izzy and Hooker may have a tough road ahead of them – laden with some unexpected twists. But only time will tell what the actual impact will be, if any!

What are your thoughts on the sudden move from the NZMMAF? Do you feel their actions are justified? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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