Kai Kamaka III is highly motivated to return to the Octagon and move past the disappointing outcome of his previous appearance.
In his last outing at UFC 329, Kamaka suffered a highly debated stoppage defeat against Luke Riley. Believing referee Kerry Hatley waved off the fight prematurely, Kamaka revealed he has formally requested the athletic commission to ensure Hatley is never assigned to officiate his matchups again.
“I’ve yet to speak with anyone sensible who felt that stoppage was justified. It was bizarre. I walked out of the cage entirely on my own two feet without any assistance. I refuse to let that fleeting moment define me. Instead, I evaluate myself based on my overall identity as a mixed martial artist,” Kamaka shared during an interview with BJPENN.com.
Despite the recent setback, Kamaka has landed an even more high-profile opportunity. The Hawaii native is scheduled to clash with Andre Fili at UFC Vegas 122 in a matchup that promises plenty of excitement.
“Oddly enough, I don’t view this as a step backward,” Kamaka explained. “While Riley is a promising up-and-comer, Fili carries a massive reputation and holds far greater name recognition within the MMA community. I really can’t complain about this booking. He is a highly seasoned and technically sound competitor. He always comes to perform and possesses high-level skills, so you absolutely must take him seriously. There is plenty of footage on him, just as there is on me. We both have plenty of tape to analyze, but he is also making his own game plan tweaks to counter me. It represents a fantastic matchup between two dedicated combat athletes.”
Kai Kamaka III is targeting a stoppage victory over Andre Fili
While Kamaka acknowledges that Fili presents a difficult challenge for any featherweight, he remains extremely confident in his own capabilities.
Additionally, the matchup is set to unfold inside the smaller cage of the UFC Apex. Kamaka feels this setup aligns perfectly with his forward-pressure style and will ultimately pave the way for a spectacular knockout finish over Fili.
“I believe that through my forward pressure and technical abilities, I can find his chin or wear him down with body shots. The confined space of the smaller cage plays into my strengths far more than his. Of course, I need to go out there and execute, but I genuinely think the smaller arena puts him at a disadvantage,” Kamaka stated.
Securing a finish against Fili would undoubtedly position Kamaka for another high-stakes opponent in his next outing. Should everything fall into place this Saturday at UFC Vegas 122, he also hopes to squeeze in one additional appearance before the year concludes.
“Delivering a strong performance and securing a win over Fili won’t completely wipe away the defeat to Riley, but it will restore the positive momentum I had prior to that matchup. Once I get past this, I’d love to test myself against another highly-regarded prospect or face someone who can elevate my standing in the division. Ultimately, emerging victorious here sets me up beautifully for the future, no matter what,” Kamaka concluded.
How do you see the fight between Kai Kamaka III and Andre Fili playing out at UFC Vegas 122?
This piece was originally published on BJPENN.COM
