Kai Kamaka III

Kai Kamaka III is an American mixed martial artist competing in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A proud Hawaiian from ʻEwa Beach, Kamaka has built a reputation as a durable, well-rounded fighter who never backs down. With a professional record of 10 wins and 6 losses, he has fought across three weight classes and multiple major promotions including Bellator and the PFL. His UFC highlight came in 2022 when his war with Davey Grant earned Fight of the Night honors and a $50,000 bonus. Kamaka trains at the MMA Lab in Arizona and remains a hungry contender looking to climb the lightweight ranks.[edit]

Kamaka grew up in ʻEwa Beach, Hawaii, in a tight-knit family. He attended James Campbell High School, where he wrestled and developed the competitive drive that would define his fighting career. After graduating, he began training at the MMA Lab in Glendale, Arizona, under head coach John Crouch. His amateur career started with a perfect 3-0 record, and he turned professional on June 6, 2015, submitting Jared Sarver in the first round at a regional event in Hawaii. For the next few years, Kamaka fought mostly in local Hawaii promotions like Destiny MMA and X-1 World Events, compiling a 7-1 record. The move to train full-time in Arizona was a turning point, pushing him to a higher level of competition and setting the stage for his eventual shot at the big leagues.[edit]

Kamaka signed with Bellator MMA in 2018 and debuted with a unanimous decision win over former UFC fighter Justin Lawrence at Bellator 194. He went 3-2 in the promotion, with wins over Adil Benjilany and a loss to Henry Corrales. In 2019, he made a single appearance in the Professional Fighters League, losing to Movlid Khaybulaev by decision. The real breakthrough came on September 1, 2020, when Kamaka earned a UFC contract by defeating Connor Matthews via unanimous decision on Dana White's Contender Series. He made his UFC debut on January 16, 2021, losing to Jonathan Martinez, but bounced back with his first UFC win over T.J. Brown in July 2021. The defining moment came on October 15, 2022, when he outlasted Davey Grant in a three-round war that earned both fighters a Fight of the Night bonus. After a loss to Brian Kelleher in 2023, Kamaka moved up to lightweight and secured his first win in the division against Damon Jackson in March 2024. His most recent bout was a submission loss to Youssef Zalal in March 2025.[edit]

Kamaka is known for his pressure-based striking style and relentless pace. Media and fans describe him as a resilient underdog and a gatekeeper in the UFC lightweight division. He rarely trash-talks opponents, instead letting his toughness and high-volume punching do the talking. Fans, especially from Hawaii, rally behind him with Hawaiian flags and a strong sense of island pride. His social media presence is modest but authentic, mixing training updates with motivational posts and occasional glimpses into his Hawaiian roots. He comes across as humble, respectful, and deeply dedicated to his craft.[edit]

Kai Kamaka III carries the weight of a loyal Hawaiian following rather than a global celebrity brand, operating as a respected figure within the combat sports community. As an athlete whose influence is deeply rooted in regional pride and steady performance, he does not currently hold a placement in the published Global Top 1,000 rankings or any Top-100 scope list evaluated by iFANN. This status reflects his standing as a durable contender who has built a reputation through resilience rather than viral fame campaigns or mass-market crossover appeal. His supporters, often identifying simply as local MMA fans or island residents, rally behind him with flags and chants during his appearances, celebrating his identity as "Da Fighting Hawaiian" without attaching a formal collective name to their group. The narrative surrounding his career focuses on his return to form and his ability to withstand high-level competition, creating a bond based on shared appreciation for toughness rather than organized fandom rituals. While there are no documented fan-funded projects, charity drives, or specific digital trends initiated by his followers, the community actively engages with his social media updates and post-fight interviews. His recent split-decision victory against Dakota Hope served as a focal point for this local pride, reinforcing his role as a hometown hero representing Hawaii on the world stage. The absence of a structured fanbase name like those found in pop music or film underscores that his popularity remains grounded in the authentic appreciation of his fighting style and personal history. Fans follow his journey from the trenches of regional promotions to the UFC octagon, valuing his consistency over flashiness. Though he lacks a formalized movement with unique branding, his connection to Pearl City and the broader Hawaiian diaspora ensures a dedicated audience that watches every step of his ascent with genuine interest.[edit]

Kai Kamaka III is the third family member to bear the name Kai Kamaka, following his father and grandfather. Before dedicating himself to full-time fighting, he worked as both a personal trainer and a bartender. He holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under John Crouch at the MMA Lab. Growing up, his favorite fighters were fellow Hawaiian BJ Penn and Anderson Silva. Notably, Kamaka has never been knocked out in his professional career, a record that highlights his exceptional durability. He often enters the octagon wearing a Hawaiian lei to honor his heritage. Beyond these established facts, a key moment in his modern lore was his dramatic return victory against debutant Dakota Hope at UFC Vegas 115 in April 2026. This narrow split decision was framed as a career-defining redemption arc for the "child prodigy" from Pearl City after a period away from the spotlight. Another layer of current mythology involves his upcoming showdown with Luke Riley at UFC 329, where previous rumors suggest Riley claimed a referee intervention saved him during their prior encounter. This ongoing narrative of survival and controversy adds depth to his story as a fighter who consistently overcomes adversity to compete at the highest level.[edit]

Kamaka has a sister named Kiana Kamaka. He is close with his family, who still live in Hawaii. He does not have a spouse or children, and he keeps his personal life very private. Kamaka currently lives in Arizona near the MMA Lab, where he trains full-time.[edit]

Kamaka trains under head coach John Crouch at the MMA Lab in Arizona. He has notable wins over Justin Lawrence (Bellator), T.J. Brown, Davey Grant, and Damon Jackson in the UFC. He looks up to fellow Hawaiian BJ Penn as an inspiration.[edit]

Kai Kamaka III has kept his romantic life completely private. There are no public records, interviews, or social media posts linking him to any partner. He has stated in interviews that he is single and focused on his fighting career. As of 2026, Kamaka remains single with no confirmed relationships.[edit]

As of 2026, iFANN currently estimates Kai Kamaka III's net worth at $600,000. His primary income stream consists of UFC fight purses, which provide a base salary estimated between $30,000 and $50,000 per bout. He earns win bonuses of similar amounts when he secures victories. His single largest payday occurred during his 2022 bout against Davey Grant, where he received a $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus. Kamaka maintains a low financial profile with no major endorsement deals, real estate holdings, or known business ventures. His net worth has grown steadily since he joined the UFC in 2021, reflecting his consistent activity in the lightweight division.[edit]

Kamaka has won one UFC Fight of the Night award, earning a $50,000 bonus for his 2022 battle with Davey Grant. He has not won any championship belts or other major awards.[edit]