While he may be somewhat of an unknown quantity to the UFC community, Kai Asakura insists that won’t be the case following his debut performance this weekend.
Saturday sees the mixed martial arts leader close out its pay-per-view schedule for 2024 with UFC 310. The event, slated for the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, was originally set for two title fights, with Belal Muhammad and Alexandre Pantoja defending their gold.
After the welterweight kingpin’s withdrawal due to injury, Pantoja is the last champ standing this week. And his elevation to main event status will see a promotional newcomer enter the headline spotlight in his very first Octagon outing.
Asakura, a former Rizin bantamweight titleholder, will join the limited group of fighters to debut in competition for a UFC belt on Dec. 7, when he looks to bring “The Cannibal’s” 125-pound reign to an end in its third defense.
While the Japanese star has made a splash in his native Asia, much of the UFC fanbase appear unfamiliar with his game. That, Asakura says, will change soon enough.
During his appearance at UFC 310 media day on Wednesday, Asakura spoke about what the MMA masses can expect once the Octagon door closes behind him and Pantoja in a couple of days’ time.
“The UFC fans have never seen anybody like me fight before,” Asakura said. “I always aim to go for the KO finish, and I’m here to bring excitement back to the flyweight division.”
Asakura will look to prove those remarks correct come fight night at UFC 310. In the process, the Japanese debutant will hope to open a new chapter in the flyweight division.
