Kai Kamaka III
American mixed martial arts fighter
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kai Kamaka III (born January 5, 1995) is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He has previously competed in the bantamweight and featherweight divisions and has fought for Bellator MMA and the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
Ewa Beach, Hawaii, U.S.
| Kai Kamaka III | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 5, 1995 Ewa Beach, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Other names | The Fighting Hawaiian |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Weight | 145 lb (66 kg; 10 st 5 lb) |
| Division | Featherweight Bantamweight Lightweight |
| Reach | 69 in (175 cm)[1] |
| Style | Wrestling |
| Fighting out of | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States |
| Team | 808 Fight Factory Xtreme Couture (2020–present)[2] |
| Years active | 2012–present |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 27 |
| Wins | 18 |
| By knockout | 3 |
| By submission | 1 |
| By decision | 14 |
| Losses | 8 |
| By knockout | 3 |
| By decision | 5 |
| Draws | 1 |
| Other information | |
| University | Midland University |
| Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog | |
Background
Kai started training martial arts at the age of six under his father Kai Kamaka Jr., who owns the 808 Fight Factory in Hawaii.[3] Kai has a brother named Tristin Kamaka who is a former University of Hawaii Football receiver. Kai attended Pearl City High School where he wrestled and eventually won the HHSAA State Championship after claiming gold in OIA conference finals.[4][5] For his wrestling accolades, he received a wrestling scholarship to study at Midland University from where he graduated with a bachelor's degree.[3][6]
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
In his MMA debut at KOTC Mana, he faced Anthony Reyes and went on to defeat him via unanimous decision. Kamaka submitted Nui Wheeler at Destiny Na Koa 6 via rear-naked choke in the first round. After losing his next two bouts against Andrew Natividad and Jeff Mesa, at KOTC Energetic Pursuit, he defeated Rick James via unanimous decision. Kamaka defeated Mauricio Diaz via unanimous decision at KOTC Highlight Reel.[7]
Bellator MMA / LFA
Kamaka faced Shojin Miki at Bellator 213 on December 15, 2018. He won the bout via unanimous decision.[8]
Kamaka faced Spencer Higa at Bellator 236 on December 21, 2019. He won the bout via unanimous decision.[9]
After winning a unanimous decision against Michael Stack at LFA 87 on July 31, 2020, he got the call to make his UFC debut on extremely short notice.[10]
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Kamaka made his UFC debut against Tony Kelley at UFC 252 on August 15, 2020. He won the bout via unanimous decision.[11] This bout earned him a Fight of the Night bonus award [12]
Kamaka faced Jonathan Pearce at UFC on ESPN 18 on November 28, 2020. He lost the bout via TKO in the second round.[13]
Kamaka faced T.J. Brown at UFC on ESPN 23 on May 1, 2021.[14] He lost the bout via a controversial split decision.[15] 15 out of 15 media members scored the bout for Kamaka.[16]
Kamaka faced Danny Chavez, replacing injured Choi Doo-ho, on July 31, 2021 at UFC on ESPN 28.[17] Kamaka was deducted a point in round two for an illegal groin strike, as a result the fight was ruled a majority draw.[18] 11 out of 13 media outlets scored the bout as a win for Kamaka.[19] The bout was the last of his contract and Kamaka decided to test free agency, parting with the UFC.[20]
Return to Bellator MMA
On September 28, 2021, Kamaka signed a contract with Bellator to return to the promotion for the second time.[21]
Kamaka, replacing Keoni Diggs, faced John de Jesus on December 3, 2021 at Bellator 272.[22] He won the bout via unanimous decision.[23]
Kamaka faced Justin Gonzales on April 23, 2022 at Bellator 279.[24] He lost the close bout via split decision.[25]
Kamaka was scheduled to face Akhmed Magomedov on July 22, 2022 at Bellator 283.[26] Kamaka however pulled out of the bout for unknown reasons.[27]
Kamaka faced Kevin Boehm on December 9, 2022 at Bellator 289.[28] He won the fight via TKO in the third round.[29]
Kamaka faced Adli Edwards on April 22, 2023 at Bellator 295.[30] He won the bout via unanimous decision.[31]
Kamaka was rebooked against Akhmed Magomedov on August 11, 2023 at Bellator 298.[32] However, Magomedov pulled out of the bout a week before the event.
Kamaka faced Henry Corrales on October 7, 2023 at Bellator 300.[33] He won the fight via split decision.[34] 4 out of 4 media scores gave it to Corrales.[35]
PFL
In his PFL debut, Kamaka faced Bubba Jenkins on April 19, 2024 at PFL 3 (2024).[36] He won the bout via unanimous decision.[37]
Kamaka next faced Pedro Carvalho at PFL 6 (2024) on June 28, 2024, winning the fight via unanimous decision.[38][39]
Kamaka faced Brendan Loughnane in the semifinals of the 2024 Featherweight tournament on August 23, 2024 at PFL 9.[40] He lost the fight by split decision.[41]
Global Fight League
Kamaka was scheduled to face Mike Grundy on May 25, 2025 at GFL 2.[42] However, all GFL events were cancelled indefinitely.[43]
Return to UFC
After going 3–1 on the independent circuit following his PFL stint, Kamaka re-signed with the UFC and faced promotional newcomer Dakota Hope in his lightweight debut on April 4, 2026 at UFC Fight Night 272.[44] He won the fight by split decision.[45]
Kamaka returned to the featherweight division against Luke Riley on July 11, 2026 at UFC 329.[46] He lost the fight by technical knockout in the first round.[47]
Kamaka is scheduled to face Andre Fili on October 10, 2026, at UFC Fight Night 290.[48]
Personal life
His cousin is Ray Cooper III who is PFL welterweight champion and also his cornerman. His uncle Ronal Jhun is a former UFC veteran.[49]
Kamaka has known UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby, since his childhood when Sean was a camera man for MMA promotions in Hawaii.[50]
Championships and accomplishments
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Fight of the Night (One time) vs. Tony Kelley[12]
Mixed martial arts record
| 27 matches | 18 wins | 8 losses |
| By knockout | 3 | 3 |
| By submission | 1 | 0 |
| By decision | 14 | 5 |
| Draws | 1 | |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 18–8–1 | Luke Riley | TKO (knees and punches) | UFC 329 | July 11, 2026 | 1 | 3:03 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Return to Featherweight. |
| Win | 18–7–1 | Dakota Hope | Decision (split) | UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Duncan | April 4, 2026 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Lightweight debut. |
| Win | 17–7–1 | Michel da Cruz Lima | KO (punch) | Tuff-N-Uff 151 | January 22, 2026 | 3 | 4:48 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Loss | 16–7–1 | Diego Brandão | Decision (split) | Tuff-N-Uff 149 | October 25, 2025 | 5 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | For the Tuff-N-Uff Featherweight Championship. |
| Win | 16–6–1 | Sitik Muduev | Decision (unanimous) | Tuff-N-Uff 145 | June 29, 2025 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 15–6–1 | Joshua Weems | TKO (punches and elbows) | Tuff-N-Uff 143 | April 25, 2025 | 2 | 0:58 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Loss | 14–6–1 | Brendan Loughnane | Decision (split) | PFL 9 (2024) | August 23, 2024 | 3 | 5:00 | Washington, D.C., United States | 2024 PFL Featherweight Tournament Semifinal. |
| Win | 14–5–1 | Pedro Carvalho | Decision (unanimous) | PFL 6 (2024) | June 28, 2024 | 3 | 5:00 | Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States | |
| Win | 13–5–1 | Bubba Jenkins | Decision (unanimous) | PFL 3 (2024) | April 19, 2024 | 3 | 5:00 | Chicago, Illinois, United States | |
| Win | 12–5–1 | Henry Corrales | Decision (split) | Bellator 300 | October 7, 2023 | 3 | 5:00 | San Diego, California, United States | |
| Win | 11–5–1 | Adli Edwards | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 295 | April 22, 2023 | 3 | 5:00 | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States | |
| Win | 10–5–1 | Kevin Boehm | TKO (punches) | Bellator 289 | December 9, 2022 | 3 | 2:23 | Uncasville, Connecticut, United States | |
| Loss | 9–5–1 | Justin Gonzales | Decision (split) | Bellator 279 | April 23, 2022 | 3 | 5:00 | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States | |
| Win | 9–4–1 | John de Jesus | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 272 | December 3, 2021 | 3 | 5:00 | Uncasville, Connecticut, United States | |
| Draw | 8–4–1 | Danny Chavez | Draw (majority) | UFC on ESPN: Hall vs. Strickland | July 31, 2021 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Kamaka was deducted one point in round 2 for an eye poke and a groin strike. |
| Loss | 8–4 | T.J. Brown | Decision (split) | UFC on ESPN: Reyes vs. Procházka | May 1, 2021 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Loss | 8–3 | Jonathan Pearce | TKO (punches) | UFC on ESPN: Smith vs. Clark | November 28, 2020 | 2 | 4:28 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 8–2 | Tony Kelley | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 252 | August 15, 2020 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Fight of the Night. |
| Win | 7–2 | Michael Stack | Decision (unanimous) | LFA 87 | July 31, 2020 | 3 | 5:00 | Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States | |
| Win | 6–2 | Spencer Higa | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 236 | December 21, 2019 | 3 | 5:00 | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States | Featherweight debut. |
| Win | 5–2 | Shojin Miki | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 213 | December 15, 2018 | 3 | 5:00 | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States | |
| Win | 4–2 | Mauricio Diaz | Decision (unanimous) | KOTC: Highlight Reel | June 10, 2018 | 3 | 5:00 | Ontario, California, United States | |
| Win | 3–2 | Rick James | Decision (unanimous) | KOTC: Energetic Pursuit | February 24, 2018 | 3 | 5:00 | Ontario, California, United States | |
| Loss | 2–2 | Jeff Mesa | Decision (unanimous) | Pacific Xtreme Combat 56 | March 25, 2017 | 3 | 5:00 | Mangilao, Guam | |
| Loss | 2–1 | Andrew Natividad | TKO (doctor stoppage) | KOTC: Sanctioned | June 14, 2015 | 1 | 4:40 | San Jacinto, California, United States | |
| Win | 2–0 | Nui Wheeler | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Destiny Na Koa 6 | August 3, 2014 | 1 | 3:20 | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States | |
| Win | 1–0 | Anthony Reyes | Decision (unanimous) | KOTC: Mana | October 20, 2012 | 2 | 5:00 | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States | Bantamweight debut. |