What is Kai Asakura record in the UFC? He is the first Japanese fighter to compete for the UFC flyweight title and he’s doing it in his debut fight. What’s even more impressive is that Dana White has so much faith in him. The MMA world is buzzing about this new star and fans want to know more about him. What languages does he speak?
Outside the octagon Asakura has 21-4 record and has taken the internet by storm with his YouTube channel KAI Channel which has over 1.36 million subscribers. His training routines and vlogs which are all in Japanese have over 615 million views and he’s a social media sensation in the Asian MMA scene.
And don’t forget about his skills in the cage. He’s a finisher with 13 of his 21 wins by KO/TKO and 3 by submission. As he gets ready for his UFC debut fans and opponents should be aware of his power.
Asakura next fight is on December 7, in Paradise, Nevada, on the UFC 310 against the Flyweight Champion Alexandre Pantoja.
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Who Is Kai Akasura?
Born in the city of Toyohashi, Japan, in elementary school Kai Asakura trained karate and sumo and 3 years of volleyball.
Kai and his brother Mikuru spent most of their childhood fighting on the streets – often against each other. Kai credits their childhood street fights with his brother for making him tough as a professional mixed martial artist. In their teenage years their mother put them in boxing classes after a therapist suggested it to channel their energy.
While in his 3rd year at Aichi Prefectural Toyohashi Technical High School Mikuru introduced Kai to the Zen Dokai Toyohashi Dojo which was his first time to see mixed martial arts. Encouraged by his brother he started to take fighting seriously.
Fittingly his first fight was a street fight against none other than his brother Mikuru.
“One day my older brother called me out into the street… He was really trying to kill me with each strike,” Kai said.
Kai Asakura’s first ever fight was a street fight against his own brother
“One day, my older brother called me out into the street… He was really trying to kill me with each strike.”
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Career and Humble Beginnings
Kai Asakura started his pro MMA career with DEEP where he fought fellow debutant Tomoya Suzuki. He made a big impact with a 1st round TKO win.
After a 3 year layoff, Asakura returned to competition under the Fighting Network Rings’ Outsider brand. In his comeback fight he beat Satoshi Date via 2nd round TKO. 2 months later he beat Keigo Takayama via 40 second TKO. He then submitted debutant Jung Bin Choi via 1st round D’Arce choke and then beat Jong Hyun Kwak via 1st round TKO.
Asakura then joined Road Fighting Championship where he submitted Liu Xiaoyang via 1st round rear-naked choke. He then fought for the Fighting Network Rings 60 kg title and beat Yoichi Oi via TKO at the end of 1st round to win the title. In his next fight he faced Alateng Heili who was on a 6 fight win streak. Asakura finished the fight in 29 seconds with a left hook and knee.
Kai Asakura Record And Stats
Kai Asakura’s career stats are impressive as a professional MMA fighter, especially in striking and finishing.
21-4-0, Asakura is a force to be reckoned with in the bantamweight division. He has 13 wins via (T)KO which is 62% of his total wins, he’s a finisher. He’s only lost 3 times via (T)KO.
Along with his striking, Asakura has 3 submission wins. Submissions are 14% of his total wins, he can adapt and win via grappling when needed. He’s never been submitted, he’s got good defensive grappling.
Rounding out his record, Asakura has 5 decision wins, he can go the distance when needed. But only one of his losses is via decision, he can control the fight and not get outpointed by his opponents. He’s a wild card.
UFC 310 Preview: Kai Asakura vs Alexandre Pantoja
Kai Asakura is set to make his highly anticipated UFC debut next weekend on December 7, at UFC 310, where he will challenge defending Flyweight Champion Alexandre Pantoja. This marks the final UFC pay-per-view event of 2024 and will feature Pantoja making the third defense of his belt against the Japanese newcomer.
At 31 years old, Asakura has built a reputation as a devastating striker, with 7 stoppages in his last 9 wins. Known for his explosive power, he’s earned a title shot despite being an organizational newcomer and a long-time bantamweight competitor. Having spent the last seven years competing in Rizin, this fight will be a significant test to gauge Asakura’s level against the UFC’s elite.
To prepare for this monumental opportunity, Asakura has been training alongside top fighters, including bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili. Reports from his camp highlight improvements in his submission defense, an area that will be critical against Pantoja, a grappling specialist renowned for his dangerous ground game. While Asakura’s striking gives him a unique edge, facing Pantoja on fight night will undoubtedly test the limits of his skill and resilience.
Kai Asakura Net Worth
Kai Asakura net worth is estimated to fall between $1 million and $3 million, with the majority of his income derived from his career as a professional mixed martial artist.
Currently competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Asakura earns through fight purses, performance bonuses, and sponsorship deals. Before joining the UFC, his tenure as the Rizin Bantamweight Champion also played a significant role in building his financial success.
Future Prospects for Kai Asakura
Whether or not Asakura wins over Pantoja it doesn’t matter. He has already established himself as one of the rising stars in MMA.
Asakura believes the vantage he has over Pantoja is his one-shot knockout power. “It only takes one punch. I’m going into this fight expecting to end it with a single strike. The UFC has a history filled with iconic knockout moments, and at UFC 310, I’m aiming to create my own and add it to those highlight reels”, he says.
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