The former Rizin Fighting Federation champ endured a disappointing start in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, getting finished in his first two appearances. He then secured a win after moving up to bantamweight and is set to meet Qileng Aori next at UFC Shanghai.
Kai Asakura targets Qileng Aori knockout after successful move to bantamweight
Asakura recorded his first win in the UFC against Cameron Smotherman earlier this year. He claims he’s settled in nicely at bantamweight and vowed to finish Aori when they clash on Aug. 29 to extend his win streak. However, he isn’t just looking for a win, stating that he wants to show off some new moves as well en route to finding the knockout.
“I will knock him out and I will show a new combination this Saturday,” Asakura said at UFC Shanghai media day.
The Japanese fighter also revealed that he wants to stay active and compete again before the end of the year. Additionally, Asakura expressed interest in fighting in his native Japan, where he expects strong interest in a UFC event.
"I am stronger than my last fight."
Entering his second fight of the 2026, Kai Asakura (@kai_1031_) feels 135 pounds is the perfect division for him and plans to showcase it once again at #UFCShanghai
Fight by Fight Preview ➡️https://t.co/JeUnGYBzaqpic.twitter.com/Tb64MEJCaa— UFC News (@UFCNews) August 25, 2026