Kai Asakura is set to challenge Alexandre Pantoja for the UFC flyweight title at UFC 310, aiming to become the first Japanese champion in UFC history and bring excitement to the flyweight division.
Kai Asakura is on the brink of history. This Saturday, at UFC 310 in Las Vegas, he’s set to challenge Alexandre Pantoja for the UFC flyweight title. If he wins, it’ll be a historic first—becoming the inaugural Japanese champion in UFC history.
Asakura’s confidence is palpable. At media day on Wednesday, he vowed to deliver a performance unlike any seen before. “The UFC fans have never seen anybody like me fight ever before,” he declared through a translator. Always gunning for a KO finish, he promises to inject excitement back into the flyweight division.
Previously with RIZIN, Asakura was a standout. Twice clinching titles at 135 pounds, he earned a reputation for electrifying knockouts—13 of his 21 victories by KO/TKO. Now dropping to 125 pounds for his UFC debut, he’s eager to revitalize the flyweight class.
“When I signed my contract with the UFC,” Asakura explained, “I told them I’m willing to fight either at flyweight or bantamweight.” But as discussions unfolded, he saw potential in flyweight and opted for it. His goal? Not just to win but to become a star.
He dreams of headlining a UFC event in Japan—a country the octagon hasn’t visited since 2017. Yet first, he must dethrone Pantoja. After that? The sky’s the limit.
“As of now,” Asakura admitted, “I haven’t made an imprint on the UFC because I haven’t fought yet.” He’s eager for the promotion to return to Tokyo and spotlight Japan’s MMA talent. With a championship win, change is inevitable.
“The last time the UFC came to Japan was seven years ago,” Asakura reminisced. Back then, local MMA activity was sparse until RIZIN emerged. Leading the charge for RIZIN, Asakura became one of its main stars. When the UFC returns to Japan, he hopes it’ll be on his shoulders—showcasing what a sold-out event truly looks like.