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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.