Kai Kamaka III
Jonathan Kai Kamaka III (born January 05, 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). 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. 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. For  his wrestling accolades, he received a wrestling scholarship to study at Midland University from where he graduated with a bachelor's degree. 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 . Bellator MMA / LFA. Kamaka faced Shojin Miki at Bellator 213 on . He won the bout via unanimous decision. Kamaka faced Spencer Higa at Bellator 236 on . He won the bout via unanimous decision. After winning a unanimous decision against Michael Stack at on July 31, 2020, he got the call to make his UFC debut on extremely short notice. Ultimate Fighting Championship. Kamaka made his UFC debut against Tony Kelley at UFC 252 on . He won the bout via unanimous decision.This bout earned him a "Fight of the Night" bonus award Kamaka faced Jonathan Pearce at on . He lost  the bout via TKO in the second round. Kamaka faced T.J. Brown at on . He lost the bout via a controversial split decision. 15 out of 15 media members scored the bout for Kamaka. Kamaka faced Danny Chavez, replacing injured Choi Doo-ho, on July 31, 2021 at UFC on ESPN 28. Kamaka was deducted a point in round two for an illegal groin strike, as a result the fight was ruled a majority draw. 11 out of 13 media outlets scored the bout as a win for Kamaka. The bout was the last of his contract and Kamaka decided  to test free agency, parting with the UFC. Return to Bellator MMA. On September 28, 2021, Kamaka signed a contract with Bellator to return to the promotion for the second time. Kamaka, replacing Keoni Diggs, faced John de Jesus on December 3, 2021 at Bellator 272. He won the bout via unanimous decision. Kamaka faced Justin Gonzales on April 23, 2022 at Bellator 279. He lost the close bout via split decision. Personal life. Kai has three children with his wife and currently resides in Las Vegas. His cousin is Ray Cooper III who is PFL welterweight champion and also  his cornerman. His uncle Ronal Jhun is a former UFC veteran. Kamaka has known UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby, since his childhood when Sean was a camera man for MMA promotions in Hawaii.