Kai Asakura
Japan
Remains winless in UFC
Asakura lost to Tim Elliott via submission (guillotine choke) at 4:39 of Round 2 at UFC 319 on Saturday in Chicago, Illinois.
ANALYSIS
Asakura looked like the hunter in Round 1, narrowly missing with big shots as Elliott displayed his awkward movements. This all changed at the end of the frame, as Asakura got slammed into side control and saw time expire on his back. The Japanese fighter looked timid in Round 2, allowing Elliott to come forward and ultimately find the takedown that ended the fight. Asakura was a must-watch in Rizin for his dynamic finishing ability, but he has always been reliant on finding one big shot. This, combined with his inability to defend takedowns, could lead to more problems going forward. Asakura falls to 21-6-0 in professional MMA due to the loss.
Asakura looked like the hunter in Round 1, narrowly missing with big shots as Elliott displayed his awkward movements. This all changed at the end of the frame, as Asakura got slammed into side control and saw time expire on his back. The Japanese fighter looked timid in Round 2, allowing Elliott to come forward and ultimately find the takedown that ended the fight. Asakura was a must-watch in Rizin for his dynamic finishing ability, but he has always been reliant on finding one big shot. This, combined with his inability to defend takedowns, could lead to more problems going forward. Asakura falls to 21-6-0 in professional MMA due to the loss.
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Contender fight scheduled
Asakura is scheduled to compete against fellow flyweight Tim Elliott at UFC 319 in Chicago on Aug. 16, per Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl.
ANALYSIS
Considering that Asakura's last fight was an unsuccessful attempt at winning gold, it only makes sense that his next bout is against a contender. Elliott may not have fought anyone since 2023, but his last fight is a first-round submission win over Su Madaerji.
Considering that Asakura's last fight was an unsuccessful attempt at winning gold, it only makes sense that his next bout is against a contender. Elliott may not have fought anyone since 2023, but his last fight is a first-round submission win over Su Madaerji.
Fails in debut title quest
Asakura came up short in his quest for the UFC Flyweight Championship on Saturday, falling to Alexandre Pantoja via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:05 of Round 2 at UFC 310 in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
This was a massive ask for Asakura when you think about it. He was making his UFC debut against a stone-cold killer and fighting in a weight class in which he hadn't competed in since 2017. Kai managed to land a couple big blows here and there, which Pantoja ate without issue. Once they got to the mat midway through Round 2, Asakura was finished. Pantoja is the top flyweight in the world, so we shouldn't judge Kai's performance too harshly. The bottom line is that we really have no idea of his long-term potential and won't until he fights someone who isn't the best guy in the division.
This was a massive ask for Asakura when you think about it. He was making his UFC debut against a stone-cold killer and fighting in a weight class in which he hadn't competed in since 2017. Kai managed to land a couple big blows here and there, which Pantoja ate without issue. Once they got to the mat midway through Round 2, Asakura was finished. Pantoja is the top flyweight in the world, so we shouldn't judge Kai's performance too harshly. The bottom line is that we really have no idea of his long-term potential and won't until he fights someone who isn't the best guy in the division.
Getting title shot in debut
Asakura will fight Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 310 on Dec. 7, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
After accumulating a 21-4 professional record, Asakura will have a chance to claim the flyweight title immediately upon joining the UFC. Doing so will be a tough task, however, as Pantoja has already successfully defended his belt twice since winning it in 2023.
After accumulating a 21-4 professional record, Asakura will have a chance to claim the flyweight title immediately upon joining the UFC. Doing so will be a tough task, however, as Pantoja has already successfully defended his belt twice since winning it in 2023.
Headed to UFC
Asakura is headed to the UFC, per Nolan King of MMA Junkie.
ANALYSIS
Asakura will vacate the Rizin Bantamweight Championship to sign with the UFC. The 30-year-old finished 2023 by winning his second bantamweight title with a win over Juan Archuleta. Asakura is 21-4 overall and 13-3 in Rizin with 16 finishes, success the 5-foot-8 bantamweight will look to carry over to the UFC.
Asakura will vacate the Rizin Bantamweight Championship to sign with the UFC. The 30-year-old finished 2023 by winning his second bantamweight title with a win over Juan Archuleta. Asakura is 21-4 overall and 13-3 in Rizin with 16 finishes, success the 5-foot-8 bantamweight will look to carry over to the UFC.