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Referee Stops Riley vs. Kamaka Fight in First Round at UFC 329
Luke Riley defeated Kai Kamaka by first-round knockout at UFC 329. Referee Kerry Hatley stopped the bout while Kamaka remained on his feet. Riley later defended the stoppage against criticism from Joe Rogan and other fighters.
Jul 19, 6:00 PM·1m read1 source
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Luke Riley defeated Kai Kamaka by first-round knockout at UFC 329, yardbarker.com reported. Referee Kerry Hatley waved off the fight while Kamaka stayed upright against the cage but absorbed unanswered strikes. Joe Rogan questioned the stoppage on the broadcast.
Multiple fighters also criticized the call on social media, according to yardbarker.com. Riley stated at the post-fight press conference that he has no regrets. He said critics had lost their minds and that Kamaka would have been unconscious on the canvas within seconds if the fight continued.
Riley added that anyone who thought the stoppage came early should reconsider watching combat sports. The undefeated Riley extended his knockout streak to 10 finishes across 14 career wins. He called himself the hardest hitter in the division and described Kamaka as a wounded animal trying to survive before the referee stepped in.
Riley said Hatley did a good job preventing a worse outcome. Kamaka suffered his first knockout by strikes since 2020 and his third in a 27-fight career. Riley had previously earned a decision victory over Michael Aswell.
He fights next at a date to be announced.
