As excitement builds for UFC 310, all eyes are on Japan's Kai Asakura, who faces Alexandre Pantoja in the main event.
Known for his power and relentless aggression, Asakura makes his UFC debut after switching from Rizin Fighting Federation, with ambitions of claiming the flyweight title.
Here is a closer look at the 31-year-old fighter:
Early life and rise in MMA
Born in Japan, Kai Asakura’s introduction to organised fighting began with a late-night challenge from his brother at age 18. Before that he had dabbled in disciplines like karate and sumo.
As a street brawler and tough guy, a therapist suggested to his mother that she introduce him to boxing as an outlet. This revealed his natural fighting talent, inspiring him to pursue MMA professionally.
Training with Japan Top Team, Asakura developed into one of the most feared fighters in Japan, earning titles such as two-time Rizin Bantamweight Champion.
Fighting style
Asakura is an explosive striker with a 76% finish rate, including 13 knockouts and three submissions. His background in Zendo-kai karate (black belt) and purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu makes him a versatile threat.
He is particularly known for his ability to end fights early, with 12 first-round finishes in his career. He weighs in at little more than 60kg, but he is known for the incredible power of his punch.
Notable Wins
Asakura has defeated elite opponents, including former UFC contenders Manel Kape and Kyoji Horiguchi.
These wins helped establish his reputation as a top-tier talent capable of competing on the global stage. His fights are marked by technical precision and raw power.
Personality and popularity
In addition to his fighting career, Asakura has gained celebrity status in Japan.
He boasts over 1.3 million YouTube subscribers and frequently appears on Japanese TV shows.
His charisma and success have turned him into a cultural icon, extending his influence beyond the octagon.
What to expect at UFC 310
Facing Pantoja, Asakura enters as an underdog, but he remains confident, vowing to secure a knockout victory.
The matchup promises to be a clash of Asakura’s striking against Pantoja’s grappling expertise.
This bout will test whether Asakura’s devastating power can translate to the UFC stage and potentially see him crowned as flyweight champion.