Kai Asakura
Flyweight · Japan · UFC
Explosive striker with serious knockout power
Fast, aggressive blitzes that end fights early
Record & stats
| Division | Flyweight |
|---|---|
| Categories | MMA |
| Promotion | UFC |
| Nationality | Japan |
| Born | Toyohashi, Aichi, Japan |
| Team | JAPAN TOP TEAM |
| Pro debut | 2012 |
| Height | 173cm |
| Reach | 175cm |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Age | 32 |
| KO rate | 78% |
| Status | Active |
How the wins come
78% Finish rate- 15 KO/TKO · 65%
- 3 Submission · 13%
- 5 Decision · 22%
Titles & honors
- Former 2x RIZIN Bantamweight Champion
Biography
Kai Asakura is a Japanese striker now competing in the UFC, and a two-time former RIZIN Bantamweight champion. Fighting out of JAPAN TOP TEAM, he built his name as one of the most explosive finishers in Japanese MMA, including a famous KO of Kyoji Horiguchi.
He won his first RIZIN bantamweight belt in 2020 (vs. Hiromasa Ougikubo) and a second in 2023 (vs. Juan Archuleta). His UFC debut was a title shot: he challenged Alexandre Pantoja for the flyweight crown at UFC 310 (December 2024) but was submitted.
After a loss to Tim Elliott at flyweight, Asakura moved back up to bantamweight and announced himself with a first-round knockout of Cameron Smotherman at UFC Macau (May 2026), earning a bonus. Now 23-6, he is rebuilding momentum at 135 pounds.
Fight history
- WCameron SmothermanW KO R1
- LAlexandre PantojaL SUB R2
FAQ
- What promotion does Kai Asakura fight for?
- Kai Asakura currently competes in the UFC. He previously was a two-time RIZIN Bantamweight champion.
- What is Kai Asakura's record?
- Kai Asakura is 23-6 as of June 2026.
- Did Kai Asakura win a UFC title?
- No. He challenged Alexandre Pantoja for the UFC flyweight title at UFC 310 in December 2024 but lost by submission.
- What weight class is Kai Asakura in now?
- He has moved to bantamweight, scoring a first-round knockout of Cameron Smotherman at UFC Macau in May 2026.