The UFC 319 main card on August 16, 2025, in Chicago features a compelling flyweight showdown between veteran grappler Tim Elliott and explosive striker Kai Asakura. Elliott, ranked #11, brings years of UFC experience and an unorthodox, high-pressure style, while Asakura, ranked #15, is a former Rizin Bantamweight Champion known for his knockout power and highlight-reel finishes. This fight could propel the winner closer to the top 10 in the division.

Tim Elliott
Tim Elliott (20–13–1) has been a mainstay in the UFC flyweight division for over a decade, earning a reputation for his relentless pace, scrambling ability, and awkward striking angles. The former Titan FC Flyweight Champion and TUF 24 winner is coming off a first-round arm-triangle choke submission over Su Mudaerji in December 2023, which earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.

While his UFC career has been a mix of highs and lows, Elliott’s unpredictability and veteran savvy make him a tough out for any opponent. His biggest test here will be closing the distance safely against Asakura’s sharp counters and avoiding the type of clean power shots that have ended many of Asakura’s fights.

Tim Elliott – Last 5 Fights:

1. Win vs. Su Mudaerji – Technical Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) (UFC Fight Night, Dec 2023) – Performance of the Night
2. Loss vs. Muhammad Mokaev – Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) (UFC 294, Oct 2023)
3. Win vs. Victor Altamirano – Decision (Unanimous) (UFC on ESPN, Jun 2023)
4. Win vs. Tagir Ulanbekov – Decision (Unanimous) (UFC 272, Mar 2022)
5. Loss vs. Matheus Nicolau – Decision (Unanimous) (UFC Fight Night, Oct 2021)

Kai Asakura
Kai Asakura (21–5) is a Japanese knockout artist making his second UFC appearance after an unsuccessful title challenge against Alexandre Pantoja in December 2024. Known for his explosive power, fluid striking combinations, and finishing instincts, Asakura was a star in Rizin, where he held the bantamweight title and scored one of the most famous upsets in Japanese MMA history by knocking out Kyoji Horiguchi in just over a minute.

Now fully committed to the flyweight division, Asakura will look to rebound from his submission loss to Pantoja and showcase the skills that made him a fan favorite in Japan. Against Elliott, he will aim to control range, punish reckless entries, and potentially earn his first UFC victory in highlight-reel fashion.

Kai Asakura – Last 5 Fights:

1. Loss vs. Alexandre Pantoja – Technical Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) (UFC 310, Dec 2024) – For UFC Flyweight Championship
2. Win vs. Juan Archuleta – TKO (Knee to the Body and Punches) (Rizin 45, Dec 2023) – Won Rizin Bantamweight Championship
3. Win vs. Yuki Motoya – KO (Knee to the Body) (Rizin 42, May 2023)
4. Loss vs. Hiromasa Ougikubo – Decision (Unanimous) (Rizin 33, Dec 2021) – Bantamweight GP Final
5. Win vs. Kenta Takizawa – Decision (Unanimous) (Rizin Bantamweight GP Semifinal, 2021)

Prediction
This fight is a classic grappler vs. striker matchup. Elliott’s key to victory is relentless pressure, chain wrestling, and mixing in awkward striking to disrupt Asakura’s rhythm. If he can drag the fight into deep waters, his pace could wear down the Japanese contender.

Asakura’s path is clear: keep the fight standing, control range, and punish Elliott’s entries with straight punches and counters. His power is a game-changer, especially if he can catch Elliott clean early.

Elliott’s veteran craft and scrambling give him a shot, but Asakura’s precision striking and knockout threat make him a dangerous opponent. Given Elliott’s tendency to get hit clean in exchanges, the edge leans toward Asakura finding a finishing opportunity.

Prediction:
Kai Asakura def. Tim Elliott via KO (Round 2)

Expect Elliott to push forward aggressively, but Asakura’s timing and sharp counterstrikes could lead to a dramatic finish and his first UFC win.