Kai Kamaka III explained

Kai Kamaka III
Other Names:The Fighting Hawaiian
Birth Name:Jonathan Kai Kamaka, III[1]
Birth Date:5 January 1995
Birth Place:Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Nationality:American
Weight Lb:145
Weight Class:Featherweight
Reach:69 in[2]
Style:Wrestling
Fighting Out Of:Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Team:808 Fight Factory
Xtreme Couture (2020–present)[3]
Years Active:2012–present
Mma Kowin:1
Mma Subwin:1
Mma Decwin:12
Mma Koloss:2
Mma Decloss:4
Mma Draw:1
Sherdog:117585
University:Midland University

Jonathan Kai Kamaka III (born January 5, 1995) is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Featherweight division of Professional Fighters League. He also competed for Bellator MMA and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

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.[4] 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.[5] [6] For his wrestling accolades, he received a wrestling scholarship to study at Midland University from where he graduated with a bachelor's degree.[7]

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.[8]

Bellator MMA / LFA

Kamaka faced Shojin Miki at Bellator 213 on . He won the bout via unanimous decision.[9]

Kamaka faced Spencer Higa at Bellator 236 on . He won the bout via unanimous decision.[10]

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.[11]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Kamaka made his UFC debut against Tony Kelley at UFC 252 on . He won the bout via unanimous decision.[12] This bout earned him a Fight of the Night bonus award [13]

Kamaka faced Jonathan Pearce at on . He lost the bout via TKO in the second round.[14]

Kamaka faced T.J. Brown at on .[15] He lost the bout via a controversial split decision.[16] 15 out of 15 media members scored the bout for Kamaka.[17]

Kamaka faced Danny Chavez, replacing injured Choi Doo-ho, on July 31, 2021 at UFC on ESPN 28.[18] Kamaka was deducted a point in round two for an illegal groin strike, as a result the fight was ruled a majority draw.[19] 11 out of 13 media outlets scored the bout as a win for Kamaka.[20] The bout was the last of his contract and Kamaka decided to test free agency, parting with the UFC.[21]

Return to Bellator MMA

On September 28, 2021, Kamaka signed a contract with Bellator to return to the promotion for the second time.[22]

Kamaka, replacing Keoni Diggs, faced John de Jesus on December 3, 2021 at Bellator 272.[23] He won the bout via unanimous decision.[24]

Kamaka faced Justin Gonzales on April 23, 2022 at Bellator 279.[25] He lost the close bout via split decision.[26]

Kamaka was scheduled to face Akhmed Magomedov on July 22, 2022 at Bellator 283.[27] Kamaka however pulled out of the bout due to unknown reasons.[28]

Kamaka faced Kevin Boehm on December 9, 2022 at Bellator 289.[29] He won the fight via TKO in the third round.[30]

Kamaka faced Adli Edwards on April 22, 2023 at Bellator 295.[31] He won the bout via unanimous decision.[32]

Kamaka was rebooked against Akhmed Magomedov on August 11, 2023 at Bellator 298.[33] However, Magomedov pulled out of the bout a week before the event.

Kamaka faced Henry Corrales on October 7, 2023 at Bellator 300.[34] He won the fight via split decision.[35] 4 out of 4 media scores gave it to Corrales.[36]

PFL

In his PFL debut, Kamaka faced Bubba Jenkins on April 19, 2024 at PFL 3 (2024).[37] He won the bout via unanimous decision.[38]

Kamaka next faced Pedro Carvalho at PFL 6 (2024) on June 28, 2024, winning the fight via unanimous decision.[39] [40]

Kamaka faced Brendan Loughnane in the semifinals of the 2024 Featherweight tournament on August 23, 2024 at PFL 9.[41] He lost the fight by split decision.[42]

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.[43]

Kamaka has known UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby, since his childhood when Sean was a camera man for MMA promotions in Hawaii.[44]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record

|-|Loss|align=center|14–6–1|Brendan Loughnane|Decision (split)|PFL 9 (2024)||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|Washington, D.C., United States ||-|Win|align=center||Pedro Carvalho|Decision (unanimous)|PFL 6 (2024)||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States||-|Win|align=center||Bubba Jenkins|Decision (unanimous)||PFL 3 (2024)||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|Chicago, Illinois, United States||-|Win|align=center||Henry Corrales|Decision (split)|Bellator 300||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|San Diego, California, United States||-|Win|align=center|11–5–1|Adli Edwards| Decision (unanimous)|Bellator 295||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|Honolulu, Hawaii, United States||-|Win|align=center|10–5–1|Kevin Boehm|TKO (punches)|Bellator 289||align=center|3|align=center|2:23|Uncasville, Connecticut, United States||-|Loss|align=center|9–5–1| Justin Gonzales| Decision (split)| Bellator 279| | align=center|3| align=center|5:00| Honolulu, Hawaii, United States||-|Win|align=center|9–4–1|John de Jesus|Decision (unanimous)|Bellator 272||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|Uncasville, Connecticut, United States||-|Draw|align=center|8–4–1|Danny Chavez|Draw (majority)|||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Loss|align=center|8–4|T.J. Brown|Decision (split)|||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-| Loss| align=center| 8–3| Jonathan Pearce|TKO (punches)|||align=center| 2|align=center| 4:28|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-| Win| align=center|8–2|Tony Kelley|Decision (unanimous)|UFC 252|| align=center| 3| align=center| 5:00|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-| Win| align=center| 7–2| Michael Stack| Decision (unanimous)| LFA 87| | align=center| 3| align=center| 5:00| Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States||-| Win| align=center| 6–2| Spencer Higa|Decision (unanimous)|Bellator 236||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|Honolulu, Hawaii, United States||-| Win| align=center|5–2|Shojin Miki|Decision (unanimous)|Bellator 213| | align=center| 3| align=center| 5:00| Honolulu, Hawaii, United States||-| Win| align=center|4–2|Mauricio Diaz|Decision (unanimous)|KOTC: Highlight Reel|| align=center| 3| align=center| 5:00|Ontario, California, United States||-| Win| align=center| 3–2| Rick James|Decision (unanimous)|KOTC: Energetic Pursuit|| align=center| 3| align=center| 5:00|Ontario, California, United States||-| Loss| align=center|2–2|Jeff Mesa| Decision (unanimous)| PXC 56| | align=center| 3| align=center| 5:00| Mangilao, Guam||-| Loss| align=center|2–1| Andrew Natividad|TKO (doctor stoppage)| KOTC: Sanctioned|| align=center|1| align=center|4:40|San Jacinto, California, United States||-| Win| align=center| 2–0| Nui Wheeler| Submission (rear-naked choke)|Destiny Na Koa 6|| align=center|1| align=center|3:20|Honolulu, Hawaii, United States||-| Win| align=center|1–0| Anthony Reyes| Decision (unanimous)|KOTC: Mana||align=center|2|align=center|5:00|Honolulu, Hawaii, United States| [45]

See also

Notes and References

  1. https://boxing.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/boxingnvgov/content/results/2020_Results/08-15-20MMA%20.pdf Mixed martial arts show results Date: August 15, 2020
  2. Web site: Stats UFC. 2020-10-04. ufcstats.com.
  3. Web site: Kai Kamaka Finally Feels Like A UFC Fighter. April 27, 2021. Ultimate Fighting Championship. Steve Latrell.
  4. Kai Kamaka talks about his son Kaiboy Kamaka singing with PXC. December 20, 2013. Kenneth Yates. YouTube.
  5. Web site: Pearl City boys, Kahuku girls rule in OIA. February 6, 2011. Jason Kaneshiro. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
  6. Web site: State High School wrestling championship. March 2, 2013. Honolulu Star-Advertiser. 3 March 2013 .
  7. Web site: Kai Kamaka – Professional UFC Fighter. November 30, 2021. hawaii.com.
  8. Web site: Painter . Myles . Across the Pond Profile: Legacy Fighting Alliance fighter Kai Kamaka III MMA UK . MMAUK . 21 April 2021 . 6 August 2020.
  9. Web site: Tucker. Bryan. 2018-12-15. Bellator 213 Results: Macfarlane vs. Letourneau. 2021-04-21. MMA Fighting. en.
  10. Web site: Tucker. Bryan. 2019-12-21. Bellator 236 Results: Macfarlane vs. Jackson. 2021-04-21. MMA Fighting. en.
  11. Web site: 2020-08-01. Pearl City's Kai Kamaka III victorious at LFA 87, runs winning streak up to five. 2021-04-21. KHON2. en-US.
  12. Web site: Bitter. Shawn. 2020-08-15. UFC 252 Results: Body Work Helps Kai Kamaka III Get Past Tony Kelley. 2021-04-21. Cageside Press. en-US.
  13. Web site: Stephie Haynes. 2020-08-16. UFC 252 post-fight bonuses: Jandiroba's armbar of Herrig earns POTN honors. 2020-08-16. bloodyelbow.com.
  14. Web site: McClory. Mike. 2020-11-28. UFC Vegas 15 Results: Jonathan Pearce Stops Kai Kamaka III. 2021-04-21. Cageside Press. en-US.
  15. Web site: 2021-02-04. Hawaii's Kai Kamaka III set for May UFC bout against TJ Brown. 2021-04-21. KHON2. en-US.
  16. Web site: Behunin. Alex. 2021-05-01. UFC Vegas 25 Results: TJ Brown Gets First UFC Win Over Kai Kamaka. 2021-05-02. Cageside Press. en-US.
  17. Web site: T.J. Brown def. Kai Kamaka III :: UFC on ESPN 23. 2021-05-02. www.mmadecisions.com.
  18. Web site: Marcel Dorff. 2021-07-19. Kai Kamaka III vervangt Doo Ho Choi tegen Danny Chavez tijdens UFC evenement op 31 juli. 2022-01-11. MMA DNA. nl.
  19. Web site: Vreeland. Daniel. 2021-07-31. UFC Vegas 33 Results: Eye Poke, Groin Strike Lead to Majority Draw for Danny Chavez, Kai Kamaka. 2021-08-01. Cageside Press. en-US.
  20. Web site: Kai Kamaka III drew with Danny Chavez :: UFC on ESPN 28 :: MMA Decisions. 2021-08-01. mmadecisions.com.
  21. Web site: Kai Kamaka III released by UFC. August 12, 2021. Guilherme Cruz. mmafighting.com.
  22. Web site: Mahalo BellatorMMA. I am ready to go out and compete!!!. 2021-09-28. Twitter. en.
  23. Web site: Behunin. Alex. 2021-10-29. Kai Kamaka III's Bellator Debut Is Set, Fights John De Jesus On December 3 At Bellator 272. 2021-10-30. Cageside Press. en-US.
  24. Web site: 2021-12-04. Pearl City's Kai Kamaka III back in win column in first fight under new Bellator contract. 2021-12-04. KHON2. en-US.
  25. Web site: Anderson . Jay . 2022-03-18 . Kai Kamaka III vs. Justin Gonzales Added to Bellator 279 . 2022-03-18 . Cageside Press . en-US.
  26. Web site: Sherdog.com . Bellator 279 'Cyborg vs. Blencowe 2' Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring . 2022-04-24 . Sherdog . en.
  27. Web site: 2022-06-28 . Lorenz Larkin vs. Mukhamed Berkhamov, more matchups complete Bellator 283 line up . 2022-06-29 . MMA Junkie . en-US.
  28. Web site: Bellator MMA EIGHT UNDEFEATED PROSPECTS SET FOR ACTION AT BELLATOR 283: LIMA VS. JACKSON THIS FRIDAY, JULY 22. www.bellator.com. 18 July 2022.
  29. Web site: King . Nolan . 2022-10-18 . Four fights added to Bellator 289, including return of Dalton Rosta . 2022-10-18 . MMA Junkie . en-US.
  30. Web site: 2022-12-10 . Hawaii's Kai Kamaka III scores TKO victory at Bellator 289 . 2022-12-10 . KHON2 . en-US.
  31. Web site: Heck . Mike . 2023-02-15 . Bellator returns to Hawaii with doubleheader, Raufeon Stots vs. Patchy Mix and Liz Carmouche vs. DeAnna Bennett title fights . 2023-02-16 . MMA Fighting . en.
  32. Web site: Sherdog.com . Bellator 295 'Stots vs. Mix' Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring . 2023-04-23 . Sherdog . en.
  33. Web site: Anderson . Jay . 2023-06-27 . Multiple Fights Added to Bellator 298, Which Stands at 19 Announced Bouts . 2023-06-28 . Cageside Press . en-US.
  34. Web site: Anderson . Jay . 2023-08-23 . Five Preliminary Card Match-Ups Announced for Milestone Bellator 300 . 2023-08-23 . Cageside Press . en-US.
  35. Web site: Sherdog.com . Bellator 300 'Nurmagomedov vs. Primus' Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring . 2023-10-08 . Sherdog . en.
  36. Web site: Kai Kamaka III def. Henry Corrales :: Bellator 300 :: MMA Decisions . 2023-10-12 . mmadecisions.com.
  37. Web site: Cruz . Guilherme . 2024-03-11 . PFL announces full line-ups for first 3 season events, 8 ex-Bellator champions debut . 2024-04-20 . MMA Fighting . en.
  38. Web site: Meshew . Jed . 2024-04-20 . PFL 3 Results: Magomed Umalatov remains unbeaten, Brendan Loughnane gets back on track with quick win . 2024-04-20 . MMA Fighting . en.
  39. Web site: Kai Kamaka III clinches PFL playoff berth after decision win over Pedro Carvalho . 2024-08-05 . spectrumlocalnews.com . en.
  40. Web site: Kai Kamaka puts on striking clinic as he hopes for a playoff spot . 2024-08-05 . pflmma.com.
  41. Web site: Staff . 2024-07-09 . Main Cards Announced for All Three 2024 PFL Playoff Events . 2024-08-05 . Cageside Press . en-US.
  42. Web site: 2024-08-23 . 2024 PFL Playoffs 3 Results . 2024-08-24 . MMA Junkie . en-US.
  43. Web site: Who is Kai Kamaka?. 2021-04-21. Playerswiki. en.
  44. Web site: Gonzalez. Gabriel. 2020-08-17. UFC 252's Kai Kamaka III: The Story Has Just Begun. 2021-04-21. Cageside Press. en-US.
  45. Web site: Sherdog.com. Kai Kamaka III. 2020-08-07. Sherdog.

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