Kai Asakura Assures Readiness for Flyweight Championship Bout Against Pantoja

Kai Asakura, a former RIZIN FF champion, has expressed confidence in his ability to meet the flyweight division’s 125-pound limit ahead of his title fight against Alexandre Pantoja. This highly anticipated bout is scheduled to headline the UFC event on December 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with the fight set for broadcast on pay-per-view and ESPN platforms.

Asakura, who boasts a record of 21-4 in mixed martial arts but is new to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) stage, is stepping into a rare situation. He has been granted a championship opportunity for his debut in the octagon against Pantoja, who has a record of 28-5 within the MMA circuit and 12-3 in the UFC.

Despite concerns surrounding Asakura’s ability to make the 125-pound mark, as he has not officially competed at this weight since December 2015 in Tokyo, the fighter remains unfazed. Speaking through an interpreter to MMA Junkie, Asakura dismissed worries regarding his weight cut, stating, «Totally zero (concern about making weight). I think a lot of people don’t realize I’ve fought at flyweight before. I’m accustomed to fighting at that weight.»

Asakura explained that he’d been cutting weight differently when competing as a bantamweight, implying this would facilitate a smoother transition to flyweight. «At flyweight, I’m cutting a normal amount of weight that everyone else would be cutting,» he added.

The initial plan for Asakura’s UFC entry was to match him against a top-three contender in the division. However, circumstances shifted in his favor, leading the organization to present him with a title fight against Pantoja.

Asakura is optimistic about his unique entry into the UFC. «I’m a little bit different than the other fighters,» he said. «They’re bringing me in because they have expectations of me putting on a great show. I’m not here awe-struck. I’m here to show what I can do, and I’m here to show how great I am.»

The fighter further emphasized his capability, pointing to his track record in RIZIN where he achieved victories against several fighters now in the UFC. «To me, I wasn’t surprised to be put in this position or in a title shot right away because my record demonstrates I’m deserving of being there,» Asakura asserted.

Fans eagerly anticipate this match-up, with Asakura’s UFC debut promising to be a pivotal moment in his career path as he endeavors to claim the flyweight title from the reigning champion, Pantoja.