You likely know Kamuela Kirk as “The Jawaiian,” the gritty lightweight who stepped into the UFC Octagon on short notice and secured a massive upset victory.
He is known for his slick grappling skills and his ability to stay calm under immense pressure. While his time in the UFC had its ups and downs, his journey from the local circuits of Arizona and Hawaii to the world’s biggest stage is a story of persistence.
In this article, you will know Kamuela Kirk’s Net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Kamuela Kirk’s Biography
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kamuela Kirk |
| Nickname | The Jawaiian |
| Date of Birth | April 13, 1994 |
| Age | 31 years old |
| Nationality | American (Born in Hawaii) |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight | 155 lbs (70 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2014 |
| Fighting Style | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
| Net Worth | Estimated $300,000 |
| Career Earnings | ~$100,000 (Fight Purses) |
| Wife/Partner | Private (Not Publicly Listed) |
| Instagram Profile | @thejawaiian |
Early Career
Kamuela Kirk was born in Hawaii, which is where he gets the “Hawaiian” part of his nickname, “The Jawaiian.” He moved to the mainland and eventually settled in Arizona, which has become a major hub for mixed martial arts talent. He started his professional fighting career in 2014, fighting in smaller regional promotions.
He built his reputation the hard way, taking tough fights to prove his skills on the ground. His early record was impressive, and he quickly became known as a submission specialist who could finish fights if he got the contest to the mat.
He found a home in the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA), a promotion that is well-known for sending fighters to the UFC. In LFA, he faced serious competition. He had notable wins that showcased his grappling pedigree, including victories over Kevin Croom and Daniel Swain.
One of his most important early moments was getting a shot on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2019. Although he lost that fight to Billy Quarantillo by knockout, he did not let the setback stop him. He went back to the regional scene, won more fights, and kept waiting for his phone to ring with another opportunity.
Professional Career
That big opportunity finally came in 2021. The UFC called him on very short notice to fight Makwan Amirkhani, a veteran grappler known for his dangerous submission skills. Most people expected Kirk to lose because he had little time to prepare.
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Instead, he put on the performance of his life. He out-grappled the grappler and won a unanimous decision, earning his official spot on the UFC roster. It was a huge win that proved he belonged at the elite level.
However, his run in the UFC faced challenges after that debut. He faced Damon Jackson in 2022 and was submitted in the second round. He then returned in July 2023 at UFC 290 to fight Esteban Ribovics.
It was a tough, gritty fight, but Kirk lost via unanimous decision. Following this loss, he parted ways with the promotion in August 2023.
Since then, he has continued to train and compete in grappling, maintaining his skills as a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while looking for his next move in the combat sports world.
Kamuela Kirk’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Kamuela Kirk has an estimated net worth of approximately $300,000. This wealth comes from a combination of his fight purses, sponsorship money, and his work as a martial arts instructor.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Event | Result | Estimated Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Esteban Ribovics | UFC 290 | Loss | $16,000 ($12k show + $4k incentive) |
| Damon Jackson | UFC Fight Night 203 | Loss | $16,000 ($12k show + $4k incentive) |
| Makwan Amirkhani | UFC Fight Night 189 | Win | $24,000 ($10k show + $10k win + $4k incentive) |
| Billy Quarantillo | Contender Series | Loss | $5,000 |
Career Earnings
| Year | Primary Source | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | UFC | ~$16,000 |
| 2022 | UFC | ~$16,000 |
| 2021 | UFC | ~$24,000 |
| 2019 | Contender Series | ~$5,000 |
Career Stats
| Stat Category | Record / Number |
|---|---|
| Overall Pro Record | 12 Wins – 6 Losses |
| UFC Record | 1 Win – 2 Losses |
| Submission Wins | 6 |
| Knockout Wins | 4 |
| First Round Finishes | 5 |
| Significant Strike Accuracy | 38% |
| Grappling Accuracy | 45% |
FAQs
1. Is Kamuela Kirk still fighting in the UFC?
No, Kamuela Kirk is no longer on the UFC roster. He was released from the promotion in August 2023 following his loss to Esteban Ribovics at UFC 290.
2. What is Kamuela Kirk’s professional fighting record?
Kamuela Kirk holds a professional MMA record of 12 wins and 6 losses. He has secured six of those victories by submission and four by knockout.
3. Where does Kamuela Kirk train?
He has spent much of his career training in Arizona, specifically working with teams like Fight Ready and Siege MMA alongside high-level coaches and partners.
4. Does Kamuela Kirk have a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu?
Yes, Kamuela Kirk is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He is known for his dangerous guard game and his ability to find submissions off his back.
5. Where is Kamuela Kirk originally from?
Kamuela Kirk was born in Hawaii, but he moved to the mainland United States to pursue his fighting career, eventually settling in Arizona.
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