Kai Kamaka's UFC release 'lit a fire' to get back to winning ways at Bellator 272
UNCASVILLE, Conn. – To say Kai Kamaka has been down for the past year would be a fair statement.
Kamaka, 26, didn’t have things go his way during a brief UFC tenure. He won his promotional debut in August 2020 to push his streak to six before losing his next two bouts (by TKO and split decision) and then fighting to a majority draw with Danny Chavez on July 31. All of this led to Kamaka leaving the UFC.
Enter Bellator, which first gave Kamaka (9-4-1 MMA, 3-0 BMMA) a chance in 2018. He re-signed with the promotion in September and on Friday got back to his winning ways with a unanimous decision over John de Jesus – a relief, to say the least.
“It feels great,” Kamaka told reporters, including MMA Junkie, backstage at Mohegan Sun Arena. “Great to not just be back fighting and being busy, but a win – finally. …
“Mentally, I was just more confused (after leaving the UFC). I knew that I’m still young, I have a lot of skill, and I come to scrap. I knew I was gonna be fighting. I was just battling with myself mentally. But there was no hiccup in my skill or anything like that. I’m just glad to be back, glad to be winning.”
Watch Kamaka’s full post-fight interview in the video above to hear more of his thoughts on his performance and getting back on track.
