Mario has a significant advantage in this matchup due to Kazuya's slow, predictable recovery and lack of reliable anti-air options. Focus on controlling the center of the stage to force Kazuya into risky, long-distance recoveries that are easily intercepted. Use Mario's fast, safe moves to pressure Kazuya's slow attacks and punish his whiffs with quick combos.

• Use Mario's fast dash attack or forward smash to interrupt Kazuya's slow, telegraphed attacks before they connect.
• Punish Kazuya's missed upper smashes or aerials with a quick forward air or down air, as his recovery is too slow to escape.
• Control the center of the stage to force Kazuya to use his long, vulnerable recovery, making him an easy target for Mario's fast aerials.
• Use Mario's fast, safe moves like jab or short-range tilts to pressure Kazuya's slow attacks and create openings for combos.
• Watch for Kazuya's slow, predictable recovery and use Mario's fast aerials to intercept and punish him before he can reach the stage.
• Avoid overextending with Mario's slower moves, as Kazuya can punish whiffs with his strong, albeit slow, attacks.

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