Kai Asakura, a rising star in the MMA world, has made a name for himself with his explosive striking and highlight-reel finishes. A former Rizin Bantamweight Champion, Asakura is renowned for his ability to seize opportunities in the cage and deliver thrilling performances against elite competition. With a record of remarkable victories on the global stage, he now prepares for his highly anticipated UFC debut, where he will challenge Alexandre Pantoja for the UFC Flyweight Championship at UFC 310. Let’s revisit three of Asakura’s most memorable fights that define his journey to this monumental showdown.

3. Kai Asakura vs. Hiromasa Ougikubo (Rizin 23 – Calling Over)

On August 10, 2020, at Pia Arena MM in Yokohama, Japan, Asakura faced Hiromasa Ougikubo in the main event. The fight started with a cautious approach, with Asakura landing low kicks and Ougikubo attempting a takedown. However, in the second round, Asakura unleashed his striking power, landing a devastating head kick followed by punches that knocked Ougikubo out cold. The fight ended at 2:13 of Round 2, showcasing Asakura's precision and ability to deliver explosive finishes.

2. Kai Asakura vs. Kyoji Horiguchi (Rizin 18)

On August 18, 2019, at the Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium in Nagoya, Asakura shocked the world by defeating Rizin superstar Kyoji Horiguchi. Entering as the underdog, Asakura overwhelmed Horiguchi with aggressive striking early in the first round. A powerful right hand dropped Horiguchi, and Asakura followed with ground-and-pound for a stunning TKO victory at just 1:08 of Round 1. This win cemented Asakura's status as a top contender in the division.

1. Kai Asakura vs. Juan Archuleta (Rizin 45)

On December 31, 2023, at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan, Asakura claimed the Rizin Bantamweight Championship in a dramatic fight against Juan Archuleta. Although Archuleta missed weight, making only Asakura eligible for the title, the bout was highly competitive. After an even first round, Asakura delivered a perfectly timed knee in the second round, followed by a flurry of punches that knocked Archuleta out cold. The TKO victory at 3:20 of Round 2 crowned Asakura the champion and marked a major career milestone as he prepared to transition to the UFC.