November 23, 2024 5:00 pm ET
Kai Asakura doesn’t think the UFC brass would be upset if he claims the flyweight title from Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 310.
In the past, the men’s 125-pound division has felt like something of a nuisance for the organization. It has tried to rid it in the past, but is currently appears to be as healthy as ever, with Pantoja (28-5 MMA, 12-3 UFC) leading the charge ahead of the Dec. 7 showdown with Asakura (21-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC) at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN2, ESPN+).
Still, though, things can always get bigger and better. That’s one reason why former RIZIN FF champ Asakura thinks he’s being granted a title shot in his promotional debut and why he thinks it’s better for the company if his hand is raised.
“Let’s be honest: It’s good business for the UFC if I win,” Asakura told MMA Junkie through an interpreter on Thursday. “I’m here to make it exciting, for people to have interest in the flyweight division and have a whole bunch of new matchups ready to have on future shows.”
Asakura, 31, has earned nearly 80 percent of his career victories by stoppage. It’ll be a tough ask to keep that up against Pantoja, who has never been stopped inside the distance during his 33-fight career.
Although Pantoja has already beaten the best in the division – and some of them twice over – Asakura thinks he brings something unique to the table.
“I’m a little bit different than the other fighters in the flyweight division, I have the ability to capitalize on one of his misses and put him to sleep,” Asakura said. “That’s what I’m aiming for, and I think that’s what makes my challenge for this title fight different than anyone else.”
Asakura is counting the days until he gets to make his mark inside the octagon for the first time and capture gold. He is ready to be a poster-boy for the company, and predicts it won’t be long until the powers that be recognize that, as well.
“I hope one day Dana White will turn to the audience and say, ‘This kid is a special KO artist, a KO machine,’” Asakura said.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 310.
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