Kai Asakura has a new place to call home after announcing he would be vacating his RIZIN 135-pound title and joining UFC during a bout at RIZIN 47 in Tokyo on Sunday. The two-time RIZIN champion went 13-3 under the UFC banner, including consecutive wins over Tomoki Motoya and Juan Archuleta, before moving to UFC and is set to reclaim the belt in December 2023.
UFC has yet to officially announce the contract, date or opponent for Asakura's Octagon debut.
“I'm giving up my belt and going to UFC,” Asakura said. “I think there will be an announcement from UFC soon, but I'm officially going. It should be good news, but right now I feel very lonely. I was originally nobody, but I think it's thanks to RIZIN that I was recognized as a fighter, a combative, and a man. And last year on New Year's Eve, it was Sakakibara who accepted my selfish wish to go to UFC without a title defense. I'd like to express my sincere gratitude to Sakakibara for his support. Thank you so much.”
Since joining RIZIN in 2017, Asakura has defeated the likes of Kyoji Horiguchi, Manel Kape, and Urka Sasaki in the ring. “It's disappointing to lose three consecutive main event bouts on New Year's Eve, but I'm glad I was able to become champion twice,” Asakura said. “I love RIZIN and all the fans. I'm sure I'll become champion at UFC as well, and take fans all over the world with me, so please look forward to it. I appreciate your continued support.”
Please watch Mr. Asakura's speech below.
