KAI ASAKURA

Representing Japan, Kai Asakura competes as an orthodox striker known for his finishing capacity with punches and knees. During his career, he secured two Rizin Bantamweight Championships while navigating multiple weight classes including flyweight and bantamweight. He transitioned to the UFC in 2024 following extensive experience within the Rizin Fighting Federation and other organizations, training out of the Japan Top Team facility.

Entering this contest with a professional record of 22-6-0, Asakura arrives following a knockout victory against Cameron Smotherman on May 30, 2026. Prior to that result, he endured consecutive losses to Tim Elliott by guillotine choke and Alexandre Pantoja via technical submission. Before his recent setbacks, he earned back-to-back stoppage victories over Juan Archuleta and Yuki Motoya using knees to the body.