Kai Asakura, a name synonymous with devastating knockouts in Japan’s MMA scene, is set to make his highly anticipated UFC debut this weekend at UFC 310. The 31-year-old will jump straight into the deep end, challenging Alexandre Pantoja for the flyweight title in a bout that promises fireworks.
Asakura’s resume speaks for itself. With 13 knockouts among his 21 career victories, the former RIZIN bantamweight champion has earned a reputation as one of the most dangerous finishers in the sport. Now dropping to the 125-pound division for his UFC career, fans are eager to see if his renowned power can carry over after a challenging weight cut.
While his highlight reel is packed with jaw-dropping finishes, one stands out above the rest: a devastating victory against Ulka Sasaki in 2019.
In a co-main event under RIZIN rules, Asakura wasted no time dismantling Sasaki. Less than a minute into the fight, he floored his opponent with a thunderous right hand and unleashed a relentless barrage of ground-and-pound.
But it was what came next that truly left the MMA community stunned. Using the unique ruleset of RIZIN, which allows knees to a grounded opponent, Asakura landed vicious strikes to Sasaki’s head. He then followed up with brutal soccer kicks—an illegal maneuver in the UFC but perfectly acceptable in RIZIN.
The aftermath of the fight was as shocking as the finish itself. Sasaki later revealed that his jaw had been broken in two places, underscoring the terrifying power behind Asakura’s strikes.
Asakura’s UFC debut marks nearly a year since his last bout, a win over Bellator veteran Juan Archuleta. The Japanese knockout artist is determined to make a statement against Pantoja, a fighter who has never been knocked out in his career.
In a pre-fight interview, Asakura confidently expressed his belief in his one-shot knockout power:
“My advantage over Pantoja is that I can end the fight with one shot. If he even makes one mistake, the fight could be over,” Asakura told UFC reporters.
For fans unfamiliar with his work, Asakura had a simple yet bold message:
“Don’t blink! I plan on winning with a spectacular knockout.”
Pantoja, nicknamed “The Cannibal,” is no stranger to elite competition. With a resilient chin and a dangerous ground game, the reigning flyweight champion represents a formidable challenge for Asakura. Despite the champion’s durability, Asakura’s explosive striking and precision make him a constant threat.
The UFC recently introduced changes to its rules regarding knees to grounded opponents, a point of interest given Asakura’s history of taking full advantage of RIZIN’s liberal striking rules. Fighters are now only considered grounded if a body part other than their hands or feet is touching the mat.
While Asakura won’t be able to replicate some of his most infamous finishes under the stricter UFC rules, his raw knockout power and adaptability ensure he remains a danger in any setting.
For Kai Asakura, UFC 310 represents more than just a title shot—it’s an opportunity to introduce himself to the global MMA audience. With a history of spectacular knockouts and a mindset focused on delivering another highlight-reel finish, the Japanese star is poised to leave a lasting impression.
Whether Asakura can dethrone the iron-chinned Pantoja remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: fans should not take their eyes off this electrifying matchup. As the flyweight division continues to evolve, Kai Asakura’s arrival promises to shake things up in dramatic fashion.
