Featherweights
Kai Kamaka III (12-5-1, 0-0 PFL) vs. Bubba Jenkins (21-7, 7-3 PFL)Jenkins heads into his fourth PFL season after his title run was cut short by Jesus Pinedo in the 2023 semifinals. Although Jenkins has never won the tournament, he is an experienced staple of the featherweight division and has never lost a PFL regular-season bout. Jenkins is seven years older than the opposition, although his experience could be put to good use. He has seven knockouts on his ledger, but his background is built from the ground up. Jenkins—a two-time All-American wrestler—claimed an NCAA title his senior year at Arizona State University after handing 2020 Olympic gold medalist David Taylor his first collegiate loss. Jenkins has been with PFL for years, but his career first gained steam in Bellator. Over three years, Jenkins went 8-3 in the organization while collecting knockouts along the way. Jenkins may have heavy hands, but his submission game has improved over the years.
Kamaka has only two finishes on his record, but that does not stop him from having his hands raised. “The Fighting Hawaiian” has won his last three fights since he dropped a razor-thin decision to Justin Gonzalez. Kamaka was not ready for his UFC shot, but he found momentum fighting in Bellator, and he will do whatever he can to carry it over. This fight could be business as usual for Jenkins, or Kamaka could explode onto the scene with a win over an established vet. It will all come down to the pace. Jenkins finishes fighters on the ground early and suddenly. If Kamaka can keep the fight on the feet early, Jenkins will grow less dangerous. Jenkins knows that, and with points on the line, the Kings MMA product will look to kick the main card off with a bang. Look for the vet to snatch an early-round submission.
Continue Reading »
Umalatov vs. Koreshkov
Loughnane vs. Carvalho
Musaev vs. Storley
Braga vs. Gonzales
Yamauchi vs. Gracie
Kamaka vs. Jenkins
The Prelims