Kai Kamaka Record, Ranking, Stats, Next Fight & Complete UFC Career Breakdown
If you are a fan of mixed martial arts who loves high-paced action, relentless cardio, and pure heart inside the octagon, you undoubtedly know the name Kai Kamaka III. Affectionately known as “The Fighting Hawaiian,” this warrior has been on one of the most turbulent yet inspiring journeys in the modern MMA landscape. From his thrilling first stint in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to his gritty rebuild through Bellator, the Professional Fighters League (PFL), and regional promotions, Kamaka has consistently proven that he belongs among the elite.
In this comprehensive guide, we are going to explore everything you need to know about him. We will break down the complete kai kamaka record, analyze his unique fighting style, evaluate his overall stats, and look ahead to the highly anticipated kai kamaka next fight. Moreover, we will examine his complete combat sports timeline to give you the ultimate overview of his incredible career.
Who is Kai Kamaka III? The Story of “The Fighting Hawaiian”
Early Life and Martial Arts Origins
Born on January 5, 1995, in Ewa Beach, Hawaii, Kai Kamaka III was seemingly destined for a life in combat sports. Hawaii has a rich lineage of producing incredibly tough, durable, and heavy-handed fighters, and Kamaka is a perfect representation of that island warrior spirit. Standing at 5 feet 7 inches with a 69-inch reach, he has competed across multiple weight classes, primarily making his mark in the featherweight and bantamweight divisions before recently moving up to lightweight.
Growing up in a culture where fighting and combat arts are deeply respected, Kamaka was introduced to wrestling and striking at a young age. Eventually, this foundation led him to Midland University, where he honed his wrestling credentials before transitioning fully into the demanding world of professional mixed martial arts. Training primarily out of Las Vegas, Nevada, with prestigious camps like Xtreme Couture and 808 Fight Factory, Kamaka has surrounded himself with world-class coaches and training partners to maximize his potential.
Kai Kamaka Record: A Deep Dive into His MMA Journey
When analyzing the kai kamaka record, currently standing at a very respectable 17-7-1, it is essential to look beyond the numbers. Many of his defeats have come by razor-thin split decisions against high-level opposition, proving that he is never outclassed in the cage. Let us break down his journey era by era.
The Regional Circuit Dominance
Kamaka made his professional MMA debut back in October 2012 at King of the Cage (KOTC): Mana, where he secured a unanimous decision victory over Anthony Reyes in the bantamweight division. From there, he began building his resume on the regional scene, fighting for promotions like Destiny Na Koa, Pacific Xtreme Combat (PXC), and LFA.
During this developmental period, Kamaka faced the usual ups and downs of a young prospect. He suffered minor setbacks but always bounced back with dominant performances. By the time 2020 rolled around, Kamaka had compiled a solid record and was turning heads with his aggressive style. His unanimous decision win over Michael Stack at LFA 87 in July 2020 was an absolute brawl that caught the attention of the world’s premier MMA organization.
The First Kai Kamaka UFC Stint
The call every fighter dreams of finally came in August 2020. The kai kamaka ufc debut took place at the monumental UFC 252 pay-per-view event, where he was matched up against Tony Kelley. Kamaka did not just win this fight; he put on a spectacular show. Earning a unanimous decision victory, both men were awarded the “Fight of the Night” bonus, immediately establishing Kamaka as an incredibly fan-friendly action fighter.
However, the UFC is an unforgiving landscape. Following his stellar debut, Kamaka hit a rough patch. He suffered a TKO loss to Jonathan Pearce in November 2020, followed by a fiercely contested split decision loss to T.J. Brown in May 2021. His final bout of his first UFC run took place in July 2021 against Danny Chavez. The fight ended in a majority draw after Kamaka was deducted a point in the second round for an accidental foul. Shortly after this 1-2-1 run, he parted ways with the promotion—a move that many hardcore MMA fans and pundits felt was premature given his undeniable talent and entertaining style.
Rebuilding the Legacy: Bellator MMA and the PFL
Bellator Run and Undeniable Momentum
Instead of letting his UFC release break his spirit, Kamaka used it as fuel. He signed with Bellator MMA and immediately got back to his winning ways. In December 2021, he defeated John de Jesus by unanimous decision. Although he suffered a slight bump in the road with a split decision loss to Justin Gonzales in April 2022, Kamaka quickly rebounded.
He went on an impressive three-fight win streak under the Bellator banner, finishing Kevin Boehm via TKO, dominating Adli Edwards by unanimous decision, and edging out veteran Henry Corrales via split decision at Bellator 300. This remarkable run proved that his skills were continuously evolving and that he remained a top-tier featherweight.
The 2024 PFL Tournament
Following his success in Bellator, Kamaka transitioned to the Professional Fighters League (PFL) for their highly competitive 2024 featherweight season. He started strong, securing back-to-back unanimous decision victories over incredibly tough veterans like Bubba Jenkins and Pedro Carvalho.
These crucial wins propelled Kamaka into the 2024 PFL Featherweight Tournament Semifinals, where he met former PFL World Champion Brendan Loughnane. In a grueling, back-and-forth war, Kamaka fell just short, losing a highly controversial split decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29). While the loss removed him from the $1 million prize pool, his stock arguably rose, proving he could go toe-to-toe with the very best in the world.
Tuff-N-Uff Battles and Showing Resilience
After mutually parting ways with the PFL following the 2024 season, Kamaka stayed relentlessly active on the regional scene to force his way back to the major leagues. Competing for Tuff-N-Uff in 2025 and early 2026, he secured violent finishes over UFC veteran Joshua Weems (a 58-second TKO) and Sitik Muduev.
His journey led him to a featherweight title fight against former UFC star Diego Brandao at Tuff-N-Uff 149 in late 2025. In a grueling five-round war, Kamaka lost a painfully close split decision. However, demonstrating his trademark resilience, he immediately bounced back just months later in 2026, scoring a stunning third-round knockout over Michel da Cruz Lima.
Kai Kamaka Last Fight: What Happened?
If you are searching for details on the kai kamaka last fight, it took place outside the UFC octagon, serving as the final stepping stone for his ultimate return. On January 22, 2026, Kamaka stepped into the cage at Tuff-N-Uff 151 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Facing off against Michel da Cruz Lima, Kamaka showcased his refined striking and immense power, putting Lima to sleep with a devastating punch at the 4:48 mark of the third round.
Consequently, this spectacular knockout victory pushed his professional record to 17-7-1 and sent a clear message to the MMA world: “The Fighting Hawaiian” was peaking, and he was ready for the highest level of competition once again. The highlight-reel finish was the final piece of evidence the UFC matchmakers needed to realize that releasing him years prior was a mistake.
Kai Kamaka Next Fight: The Triumphant UFC Return Against Dakota Hope
The MMA community rejoiced in early 2026 when news broke that the UFC had officially re-signed Kai Kamaka III. After compiling a stellar 9-3 record outside the promotion—facing absolute killers in Bellator, PFL, and Tuff-N-Uff—Kamaka forced the UFC’s hand.
So, what is the kai kamaka next fight? The promotion did not waste any time getting him back to work. Kamaka was scheduled to make his highly anticipated UFC return in the lightweight division against promotional newcomer Dakota Hope at a UFC Fight Night event in Las Vegas.
Dakota Hope, stepping in with an impressive 11-1 record and riding a wave of momentum, represents the exact type of dangerous, hungry prospect that the UFC loves to test returning veterans against. However, Kamaka brings an immense wealth of high-level experience to the table. Having fought a who’s-who of featherweights and lightweights globally, Kamaka’s pressure-heavy style, granite chin, and five-day short-notice readiness make this matchup a guaranteed firework display. Fans eagerly anticipate seeing if the Hawaiian veteran can derail the hype train of his younger opponent and kick off his second UFC stint with a bang.
Fighting Style, Strengths, and MMA Stats Breakdown
Understanding what makes Kamaka such a fan favorite requires looking at his stylistic approach to the sport.
Striking and Grappling Stats
Kamaka possesses a very well-rounded MMA game, heavily rooted in strong wrestling fundamentals and aggressive boxing.
- Boxing and Pressure: Kamaka loves to move forward. He throws heavy combinations, specifically targeting the body to drain his opponents’ cardio. His hooks are incredibly powerful, evidenced by his recent knockout victories on the regional scene.
- Wrestling Base: Though he prefers to stand and bang, his collegiate wrestling background allows him to dictate where the fight takes place. He boasts excellent takedown defense, allowing him to keep the fight on the feet where he thrives.
- Cardio and Durability: Perhaps his greatest weapon is his heart. Kamaka has rarely been finished in his career. Even when he loses, it is almost exclusively by split decision in closely contested, high-volume striking battles. He never stops pushing the pace.
When you look at the kai kamaka ufc statistics from his first run, his significant strikes landed per minute were exceptionally high, reflecting his action-oriented philosophy. As he returns to the octagon in 2026, fans can expect the exact same relentless aggression, but refined with the maturity of a veteran who has fought for world titles across different organizations.
Is There a Kai Kamaka Fight Today?
A very common query among fight fans is, “Is there a kai kamaka fight today?” Since MMA schedules are highly dynamic, it is always best to check official UFC broadcast schedules or major MMA media outlets to see if he is stepping into the cage on this specific date. His recent booking against Dakota Hope at the Las Vegas Fight Night card marked his massive return to the global stage, and given his history of staying incredibly active, you can expect Kamaka to be booked frequently throughout the year. If he isn’t fighting today, rest assured, “The Fighting Hawaiian” is likely in the gym preparing for his next war.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the story of Kai Kamaka III is one of ultimate perseverance. The kai kamaka record of 17-7-1 tells a story of a man who was thrown to the wolves early in his career, experienced the highest of highs with UFC bonuses, tasted the bitterness of being cut, and fought tooth and nail through Bellator and the PFL to claw his way back to the top.
His impending kai kamaka next fight back inside the UFC octagon is a testament to the old saying: hard work pays off. Whether you are analyzing his heavy-handed striking stats, his ironclad wrestling, or his highlight-reel last fight knockout, one thing is certain—Kai Kamaka III is guaranteed entertainment.
Are you excited for the return of “The Fighting Hawaiian”? Leave a comment below with your prediction for his UFC return, and don’t forget to share this breakdown with your fellow MMA fans!
Read More:-
