Venue and Event Details
The Meta APEX (formerly UFC Apex) is UFC’s intimate, state-of-the-art 1,200-seat facility in Enterprise, Nevada (Las Vegas Valley). It features a regulation Octagon optimized for broadcast and close-quarters action. As a standard Fight Night, the event is invitation/broadcast-focused with no public ticket sales.
Fight Card Format: 13 bouts (5 main card on Paramount+, 8 prelims). All non-main events are three rounds.
Start Times (all ET): Prelims begin at 5:00 p.m.; Main Card at 8:00 p.m. Live on Paramount+ (U.S.).
Weight Class: This bout is a Lightweight (155 lbs) prelim (fight 1 of 13 on the preliminary card).
Injury Report and Card Notes
This matchup was added on extremely short notice (just five days for Kamaka), serving as a late addition to fill out the card. No injuries or withdrawals have been reported; both fighters successfully made weight (Kamaka and Hope at 155.0 lbs). The lineup remains stable with all athletes medically cleared. Kamaka had been training consistently outside the UFC and stepped in without issue.
Key Fighter Matchups and Full Card Highlights
The card mixes veterans and prospects. Standouts include the main event (Moicano vs. Duncan) and co-main (Jandiroba vs. Ricci). Spotlight prelim opener:
Lightweight Prelim: Kai “The Fighting Hawaiian” Kamaka III (17-7-1, USA) vs. Dakota “Huracán” Hope (11-1-0, USA).
Kamaka III (5’7″, 69″ reach, Orthodox, age 31): UFC veteran returning after a 2020–21 stint (1-2-1 record) and strong performances in Bellator and PFL. Known for durability, striking creativity, and highlight-reel finishes.
Hope (5’6″, 68″ reach, age 29): UFC debutant and rising regional prospect on a five-fight win streak, including multiple first-round knockouts. Power puncher with well-rounded skills and finishing ability (5 KOs).
A classic veteran-vs-prospect lightweight scrap on short notice, pitting Kamaka’s Octagon experience against Hope’s momentum and early danger.
Recent Fighter Forms and Fight History (Focus on Key Bouts)
Kai Kamaka III: Strong run outside the UFC post-release (6-1 in Bellator, 2-1 in PFL with a playoff appearance before a loss to Brendan Loughnane). Recent form shows wins via KO and decisions; last UFC appearance was years ago. Strengths: Experience, durability, and technical striking, but short-notice return adds rust concerns.
Dakota Hope: 5 straight wins on the regional scene (LFA, Fury FC, Peak Fighting), most recently a brutal first-round TKO. Pre-UFC: Peak Fighting Featherweight champion with a high finish rate. Strengths: Power, early pressure, and well-rounded game; question marks on UFC-level opposition.
Fight History: First meeting—no prior bouts. Kamaka gets a second UFC chance on short notice; Hope makes his promotional debut in a high-stakes spot.
FIGHT ODDS
Kai Kamaka III – 160
Dakota Hope + 130
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 3, 2026
