Hunger and Heart: Kai Kamaka’s Renewed Mission to Reclaim His UFC Status

The octagon’s bright lights can be blinding, but for Kai Kamaka III, they’re a beacon calling him home. The 22-fight veteran is on a mission that’s more personal than professional – proving he belongs among the elite of the elite in the UFC.

“I never took my first UFC run for granted,” Kamaka told me during our recent conversation. “But when something gets taken away from you, you realize just how badly you want it back.”

The First Dance: Kamaka’s Initial UFC Journey

Remember August 2020? While the world was locked down, Kamaka was locked in, making his UFC debut on short notice against Tony Kelley. The Hawaiian warrior didn’t just win – he announced his arrival with a unanimous decision victory that had fight fans taking notice.

But the fight game is unforgiving. After going 1-2 in his next three appearances, Kamaka found himself on the outside looking in, released from the promotion in 2021.

Many fighters would have crumbled. Kamaka rebuilt.

The Wilderness Years: Building Back Better

Since leaving the UFC, Kamaka hasn’t just been fighting opponents – he’s been fighting complacency, doubt, and the whispers that maybe his chance had come and gone.

“When I left the UFC, I had two options,” Kamaka explained. “Feel sorry for myself or get better. I chose the harder path.”

That path has led through regional promotions where Kamaka has been quietly assembling an impressive resume. Going 5-1 since his UFC release, he’s shown improvements in every facet of his game.

His striking is more precise. His grappling more assertive. His fight IQ sharper than ever.

Kamaka’s Post-UFC Record

More Than Just Fighting: The Man Behind the Gloves

What makes Kamaka’s journey compelling isn’t just the punches he throws but the purpose behind them. At 29, the Hawaiian knows the athletic prime of a fighter doesn’t last forever.

“I’ve got a family that believes in me,” Kamaka said. “Every time I step in that cage, I’m fighting for more than just myself.”

That family motivation has transformed his approach. Training camps are more disciplined. Recovery is prioritized. The mental game is as important as the physical.

You can see it in his eyes now – a hunger that wasn’t there before. Because when you’ve tasted what it’s like at the top, anything less leaves you starving.

The Road Back: What’s Next for Kamaka?

Sources close to Kamaka indicate he’s targeting a return to action by mid-2023, potentially in a bout that could serve as a UFC audition. While specific opponents haven’t been named, Kamaka isn’t being shy about his intentions.

“I’m not asking for handouts,” he stated firmly. “Put me in there with anyone. Former UFC guys, prospects they’re high on – doesn’t matter. I’ll fight whoever gets me back to where I belong.”

That confidence isn’t misplaced. The Kamaka of 2023 is a different animal than the one who made his UFC debut three years ago. More technical. More patient. More dangerous.

Why The UFC Needs Fighters Like Kamaka

In an era where trash talk and social media followings sometimes overshadow fighting ability, Kamaka represents something pure about the sport. He’s not trying to be the next Conor McGregor with his mouth – he’s trying to be the first Kai Kamaka with his performances.

The UFC’s featherweight division is always hungry for exciting fighters who bring it every time. Kamaka’s style – aggressive yet technical, respectful but relentless – is exactly what the promotion should be looking to showcase.

And let’s be honest – we all love a good comeback story. The fighter who got a taste of the big show, lost it, and fought his way back through sheer will and improvement? That’s the kind of narrative that sells itself.

The Takeaway: Never Count Out a Determined Fighter

I’ve covered this sport for years, seen countless fighters come and go. The ones who make it back after setbacks share one trait: unwavering self-belief combined with the humility to improve.

Kamaka has both in spades.

“I’m a better fighter now than I was in the UFC,” he told me as our conversation wrapped up. “And I’m going to keep getting better until they have no choice but to bring me back.”

After seeing the fire in his eyes and the evolution in his game, I wouldn’t bet against him.

For fight fans, especially those who remember Kamaka’s first UFC run, keep this name on your radar. The Hawaiian warrior isn’t just knocking on the UFC’s door – he’s planning to kick it down.

What fighters would you like to see Kamaka matched up against if he returns to the UFC? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

Source: Original reporting and interview with Kai Kamaka III