A pair of lightweights are getting their UFC shot on short notice.
MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck confirmed with sources with knowledge of the matchup that Kai Kamaka III (17-7-1) makes his return to the UFC this Saturday when he fights the debuting Dakota Hope (11-1) in a lightweight bout at UFC Vegas 115. The bout was first reported by Eurosport.
For Kamaka, this is his second chance to impress after previously being signed to the promotion in 2020. “The Fighting Hawaiian” went 1-2-1 in four UFC appearances, including a win over Tony Kelley and a controversial split decision loss to T.J. Brown. He later fought for Bellator, PFL, and Tuff-N-Uff, winning nine of his past 12 fights to land back on the UFC’s radar.
Hope makes the walk to the octagon for the first time. Like Kamaka, “Huracan” usually fights at 145 pounds and was scheduled to meet Carlos Calderon for the Fury FC featherweight title on May 17 before getting the UFC call. Hope has won five straight fights, most recently scoring a first-round knockout of Mauricio Gomez at Fury FC 116 in February.
UFC Vegas 115 is headlined by a featherweight bout between Renato Moicano and Chris Duncan. The event now proceeds with 13 scheduled fights.
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