Kakai made his professional debut in 2008. He competed almost exclusively in the Nordic countries, for a variety of promotions, before his UFC stint. He compiled an 11–2 record, with all but one of his victories ending via KO/TKO or submission. On May 6, 2012 he fought Claudemir Souza for the Bantamweight Championship in the Swedish organisation The Zone FC. He became the champion after winning the fight by TKO in the third round. Both losses by decision, one of them in the legendary Pancrase promotion after a close fight against Taichi Nakajima.
In 2011, Kakai made it to the try outs for. He advanced from the first round of the casting but wasn't able to continue with the show. In addition, Kakai instead made it to become a contestant on. He was eliminated by Chris Beal via unanimous decision in the fight to get into the house.
Titan Fighting Championship
After a successful 10-2 stint on the European, North American and Asian circuit, Kakai signed with the U.S. based promotion Titan FC in September, 2014. In his promotional debut, he faced previously undefeated Joseph Barajas on October 31, 2014 at Titan FC 31. He won the fight by submission due to an arm-triangle choke in the third round. He was supposed to face Willian Joplin on July 18, 2015 at Titan FC 34, but the bout was scrapped when Kakai instead was signed by the UFC.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
In his UFC debut, Kakai faced Danny Martinez at UFC Fight Night 70 on June 27, 2015, taking the fight on less than a weeks notice. He won the fight via unanimous decision. In another short notice fight, Kakai faced off against Frankie Saenz on August 8, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 73. He lost the back-and-forth fight via split decision. Subsequently, as a surprise to some, he was released from the promotion.
In December 2015, it was revealed that Kakai had signed a four-fight deal with Bellator. He made his promotional debut against Joe Taimanglo on March 4, 2016 at Bellator 151. Kakai lost the bout by unanimous decision. Kakai faced former Bellator champion Joe Warren on September 16, 2016 at Bellator 161. He lost the fight via submission in the third round.
