Kai Kamaka III

Jonathan Kai Kamaka III[1] (born January 5, 1995) is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Featherweight division of Bellator MMA. He also competed for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of October 10, 2023, he is #9 in the Bellator Featherweight Rankings.[4]

Kai Kamaka III
BornJonathan Kai Kamaka, III[1]
(1995-01-05) January 5, 1995
Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Other namesThe Fighting Hawaiian
NationalityAmerican
Height5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Weight145 lb (66 kg; 10 st 5 lb)
DivisionFeatherweight
Reach69 in (175 cm)[2]
StyleWrestling
Fighting out ofLas Vegas, Nevada, United States
Team808 Fight Factory
Xtreme Couture (2020–present)[3]
Years active2012–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total18
Wins12
By knockout1
By submission1
By decision10
Losses5
By knockout2
By decision3
Draws1
Other information
UniversityMidland 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.[5] 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.[6][7] For his wrestling accolades, he received a wrestling scholarship to study at Midland University from where he graduated with a bachelor's degree.[5][8]

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 iii defeated Mauricio Diaz via unanimous decision at KOTC Highlight Reel.[9]

Bellator MMA / LFA

Kamaka faced Shojin Miki at Bellator 213 on December 15, 2018. He won the bout via unanimous decision.[10]

Kamaka faced Spencer Higa at Bellator 236 on December 21, 2019. He won the bout via unanimous decision.[11]

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.[12]

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.[13] This bout earned him a Fight of the Night bonus award [14]

Kamaka faced Jonathan Pearce at UFC on ESPN: Smith vs. Clark on November 28, 2020. He lost the bout via TKO in the second round.[15]

Kamaka faced T.J. Brown at UFC on ESPN: Reyes vs. Procházka on May 1, 2021.[16] He lost the bout via a controversial split decision.[17] 15 out of 15 media members scored the bout for Kamaka.[18]

Kamaka faced Danny Chavez, replacing injured Choi Doo-ho, on July 31, 2021 at UFC on ESPN 28.[19] Kamaka was deducted a point in round two for an illegal groin strike, as a result the fight was ruled a majority draw.[20] 11 out of 13 media outlets scored the bout as a win for Kamaka.[21] The bout was the last of his contract and Kamaka decided to test free agency, parting with the UFC.[22]

Return to Bellator MMA

On September 28, 2021, Kamaka signed a contract with Bellator to return to the promotion for the second time.[23]

Kamaka, replacing Keoni Diggs, faced John de Jesus on December 3, 2021 at Bellator 272.[24] He won the bout via unanimous decision.[25]

Kamaka faced Justin Gonzales on April 23, 2022 at Bellator 279.[26] He lost the close bout via split decision.[27]

Kamaka was scheduled to face Akhmed Magomedov on July 22, 2022 at Bellator 283.[28] Kamaka however pulled out of the bout due to unknown reasons.[29]

Kamaka faced Kevin Boehm on December 9, 2022 at Bellator 289.[30] He won the fight via TKO in the third round.[31]

Kamaka faced Adli Edwards on April 22, 2023 at Bellator 295.[32] He won the bout via unanimous decision.[33]

Kamaka was rebooked against Akhmed Magomedov on August 11, 2023 at Bellator 298.[34] However, Magomedov pulled out of the bout a week before the event.

Kamaka faced Henry Corrales on October 7, 2023 at Bellator 300.[35] He won the fight via split decision.[36] 4 out of 4 media scores gave it to Corrales.[37]

Personal life

Kai has four children with his wife and currently resides in Las Vegas.[38]

His cousin is Ray Cooper III who is PFL welterweight champion and also his cornerman. His uncle Ronal Jhun is a former UFC veteran.[38]

Kamaka has known UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby, since his childhood when Sean was a camera man for MMA promotions in Hawaii.[39]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record
Professional record breakdown
18 matches 12 wins 5 losses
By knockout 1 2
By submission 1 0
By decision 10 3
Draws 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
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) PXC 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.

[40]

See also

References
  1. Mixed martial arts show results Date: August 15, 2020
  2. "Stats | UFC". ufcstats.com. Retrieved 2020-10-04.
  3. Steve Latrell (April 27, 2021). "Kai Kamaka Finally Feels Like A UFC Fighter". Ultimate Fighting Championship.
  4. "Bellator Rankings". www.bellator.com. Archived from the original on 2021-06-16. Retrieved 2021-06-16.
  5. Kenneth Yates (December 20, 2013). Kai Kamaka talks about his son Kaiboy Kamaka singing with PXC – via YouTube.
  6. Jason Kaneshiro (February 6, 2011). "Pearl City boys, Kahuku girls rule in OIA". Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
  7. March 2, 2013. "State High School wrestling championship". Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
  8. "Kai Kamaka – Professional UFC Fighter". hawaii.com. November 30, 2021.
  9. Painter, Myles (6 August 2020). "Across the Pond Profile: Legacy Fighting Alliance fighter Kai Kamaka III | MMA UK". MMAUK. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  10. Tucker, Bryan (2018-12-15). "Bellator 213 Results: Macfarlane vs. Letourneau". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2021-04-21.
  11. Tucker, Bryan (2019-12-21). "Bellator 236 Results: Macfarlane vs. Jackson". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2021-04-21.
  12. "Pearl City's Kai Kamaka III victorious at LFA 87, runs winning streak up to five". KHON2. 2020-08-01. Retrieved 2021-04-21.
  13. Bitter, Shawn (2020-08-15). "UFC 252 Results: Body Work Helps Kai Kamaka III Get Past Tony Kelley". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-04-21.
  14. Stephie Haynes (2020-08-16). "UFC 252 post-fight bonuses: Jandiroba's armbar of Herrig earns POTN honors". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved 2020-08-16.
  15. McClory, Mike (2020-11-28). "UFC Vegas 15 Results: Jonathan Pearce Stops Kai Kamaka III". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-04-21.
  16. "Hawaii's Kai Kamaka III set for May UFC bout against TJ Brown". KHON2. 2021-02-04. Retrieved 2021-04-21.
  17. Behunin, Alex (2021-05-01). "UFC Vegas 25 Results: TJ Brown Gets First UFC Win Over Kai Kamaka". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-05-02.
  18. "T.J. Brown def. Kai Kamaka III :: UFC on ESPN 23". www.mmadecisions.com. Retrieved 2021-05-02.
  19. Marcel Dorff (2021-07-19). "Kai Kamaka III vervangt Doo Ho Choi tegen Danny Chavez tijdens UFC evenement op 31 juli". MMA DNA (in Dutch). Retrieved 2022-01-11.
  20. Vreeland, Daniel (2021-07-31). "UFC Vegas 33 Results: Eye Poke, Groin Strike Lead to Majority Draw for Danny Chavez, Kai Kamaka". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-08-01.
  21. "Kai Kamaka III drew with Danny Chavez :: UFC on ESPN 28 :: MMA Decisions". mmadecisions.com. Retrieved 2021-08-01.
  22. Guilherme Cruz (August 12, 2021). "Kai Kamaka III released by UFC". mmafighting.com.
  23. "Mahalo BellatorMMA. I am ready to go out and compete!!!". Twitter. Retrieved 2021-09-28.
  24. Behunin, Alex (2021-10-29). "Kai Kamaka III's Bellator Debut Is Set, Fights John De Jesus On December 3 At Bellator 272". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-10-30.
  25. "Pearl City's Kai Kamaka III back in win column in first fight under new Bellator contract". KHON2. 2021-12-04. Retrieved 2021-12-04.
  26. Anderson, Jay (2022-03-18). "Kai Kamaka III vs. Justin Gonzales Added to Bellator 279". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-03-18.
  27. Sherdog.com. "Bellator 279 'Cyborg vs. Blencowe 2' Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring". Sherdog. Retrieved 2022-04-24.
  28. "Lorenz Larkin vs. Mukhamed Berkhamov, more matchups complete Bellator 283 line up". MMA Junkie. 2022-06-28. Retrieved 2022-06-29.
  29. "Bellator MMA | EIGHT UNDEFEATED PROSPECTS SET FOR ACTION AT BELLATOR 283: LIMA VS. JACKSON THIS FRIDAY, JULY 22". www.bellator.com. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
  30. King, Nolan (2022-10-18). "Four fights added to Bellator 289, including return of Dalton Rosta". MMA Junkie. Retrieved 2022-10-18.
  31. "Hawaii's Kai Kamaka III scores TKO victory at Bellator 289". KHON2. 2022-12-10. Retrieved 2022-12-10.
  32. Heck, Mike (2023-02-15). "Bellator returns to Hawaii with doubleheader, Raufeon Stots vs. Patchy Mix and Liz Carmouche vs. DeAnna Bennett title fights". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  33. Sherdog.com. "Bellator 295 'Stots vs. Mix' Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring". Sherdog. Retrieved 2023-04-23.
  34. Anderson, Jay (2023-06-27). "Multiple Fights Added to Bellator 298, Which Stands at 19 Announced Bouts". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
  35. Anderson, Jay (2023-08-23). "Five Preliminary Card Match-Ups Announced for Milestone Bellator 300". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2023-08-23.
  36. Sherdog.com. "Bellator 300 'Nurmagomedov vs. Primus' Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring". Sherdog. Retrieved 2023-10-08.
  37. "Kai Kamaka III def. Henry Corrales :: Bellator 300 :: MMA Decisions". mmadecisions.com. Retrieved 2023-10-12.
  38. "Who is Kai Kamaka?". Playerswiki. Retrieved 2021-04-21.
  39. Gonzalez, Gabriel (2020-08-17). "UFC 252's Kai Kamaka III: The Story Has Just Begun". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-04-21.
  40. Sherdog.com. "Kai Kamaka III". Sherdog. Retrieved 2020-08-07.
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