The second of three newcomers on the UFC Vegas 28 card, Kamuela Kirk had something in common with his debuting brethren. All three (Tabatha Ricci, Gregory Rodrigues, and Kirk himself) had put in time under the LFA banner. Kirk’s time with the promotion dated back to 2018, and nearing his prime, he looked ready to go up against “Mr. Finland” a.k.a. Makwan Amirkhani.
A feeling out process went down for the first part of round one. Amirkhani tried to get the fight down but Kirk showed excellent takedown defense. With more urgency, Amirkhani finally lifted and slammed Kirk to the mat. Kirk was able to get back to his feet and landed a good right cross when they broke from the clinch. Both traded power shots to end the the first.
Round two saw both men starting to land more on the feet. Kirk was doing a great job going to the body with jabs and a big knee. Kirk was staying composed and was picking his shots, but did rush forward right into a takedown from Amirkhani. Kirk attempted a guillotine on the way down and a heel hook but Amirkhani escaped and kept top position. Out of nowhere, Kirk locked in a triangle and an armbar at the same time. It was very tight but somehow Amirkhani escaped at the bell.
HOW DID HE NOT TAP??!?! 🤯#UFCVegas28 pic.twitter.com/weWf9Yfc5v
— UFC (@ufc) June 5, 2021
Amirkhani was visibly exhausted to start round three. He was still able to change levels and take Kirk down — who had no urgency to stop that takedown. Kirk was active off his back throwing up another triangle and used it to get back to his feet. Amirkhani stayed on the back but Kirk was able to use a whizzer to get top position. Kirk stayed on top for the remainder of the round in a close fight.
Official Result: Kamuela Kirk def. Makwan Amirkhani by unanimous decision. (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
