Jonathan Pearce finishes Kai Kamaka III at #UFCVegas15
Jonathan Pearce bounces back after losing his UFC debut and earns a finish over Kai Kamaka III at #UFCVegas15
Both men through feints and low kicks. After the first round was spent on the feet the second was a different story, the fight went back and forth on the mat, scramble after scramble. Which eventually led to the finish from Jonathan Pearce.
The show must continue.
Although the UFC on ESPN 18 main event between heavyweights Curtis Blaydes and Derrick Lewis was scrapped due to a positive COVID-19 test from Blaydes, the 10-fight card pushes on. A light-heavyweight bout between former title challenger Anthony Smith and Devin Clark headlines the event inside the UFC Apex tonight, Saturday, Nov. 28.
Featherweights Jonathan Pearce and Kai Kamaka III compete in the first fight on the main card at UFC Vegas 15.
Jonathan Pearce (9-4-0) suffered a loss in his UFC debut, having being finished by MMA vet Joe Lauzon at UFC Fight Night Boston in late 2019. Pearce earned his UFC shot when he appeared on Dana White’s Contender Series Season 3, Episode 3, defeating Jacob Rosales by third round TKO, this fight secured him a place on the UFC rooster.
Pearce has competed a total of 13 times as a professional MMA fighter and just two of those bouts went the distance.
Kai Kamaka III (8-2-0) on the other hand, won his UFC debut, defeating Tony Kelley by unanimous decision at UFC 252. Kamaka III walks into this contest riding a hot six fight winning streak and he hasn’t been faced defeat in over three years.
Kamaka III has seen his last seven bouts go the distance and it has been over six years since the fighter got a finish.
Here’s how the featherweight bout between Jonathan Pearce and Kai Kamaka III went down at UFC on ESPN 18, including round-by-round scoring. For full results of the event, check them out right here.
ROUND 1:
Dan Miragliotta the man in charge, The fight starts and they touch gloves. Both men throwing feints and kicks. A heavy calf kick from Kai. A low blow from Kai and Pearce shakes it off. Kai catches the knee and uses that to take down Pearce. Pearce soon returns back to his feet. Kai throwing the jab to the body, also lands a solid leg kick again. Kai lands a good one-two. Kai really utilizing the jab. Pearce lands a low kick of his own. Both guys producing clean combos. Another jab from Kai. Pearce changes levels and takes down Kai. Kai scrambles himself up and Pearce tries to take the back of Kai, Pearce lands a big knee in the clinch up against the cage. Pearce trying to finish the round strong, and the bell goes.
MyMMANews.com scores it: 10-9 to Kai Kamaka III
ROUND 2:
Second round moments away. A left hook followed by a right hand just glaced Kai from Pearce. Pearce coming out aggressive in the second, throwing wild hooks. He looks for a takedown and momentarily gets it but Kai scrambles back to his feet. Both men trading big shots on the feet. Pearce gets another takedown. Pearce lands a big shot on the ground. Pearce currently riding the back of Kai. Kamaka tries to scramble and Pearce picks him up and throws him back to the mat. Pearce takes the back and flattents Kai up. Pearce actively looking for the rare naked choke. Pearce couldn’t get the submission in and now Kai scrambles to Pearces back. This fight is back in forth. Scramble after scramble. Pearce once again has Kai flatten out after another scramble. “JSP” landing big ground and pound on the back of Kai. “Lets move KAI”, Pearce continues to land beautiful ground and pound and the ref didn’t want to see any more.
Official Result: #UFCVegas15 Results: Jonathan Pearce (@JSPmma) def. Kai Kamaka via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:28
