Did Kai Asakura’s first fight against his brother ignite a fire in him that would eventually turn into a legendary career? His first bout was not on an official octagon, but rather in the streets of Japan, where he faced off against his older sibling with gloves and raw passion.
“My older brother was fighting in the street every day,” Asakura recounts in a video released by the UFC. “He beat everyone, there was no one left to fight.” His brother’s relentless pursuit of dominance forced Kai into action, leading him down a path he wouldn’t have anticipated. His brother gifted him boxing gloves and unleashed his fury.
“My older brother gave me some boxing gloves to wear,” Asakura recalls in a video package released by the UFC. “He was really trying to kill me with each strike.” This brutal exchange, as Kai managed to dodge blows while absorbing them, marked the beginning of a journey that would turn him into one of MMA’s most formidable forces.
Asakura takes on Alexandra Pantoja for the flyweight title at UFC 310 this Saturday in Las Vegas, but this fight holds significance beyond his professional career. It marks his first appearance in the Octagon and his first time stepping foot in the legendary fighting arena. For a fighter with a proven track record against top competitors like Kyoji Horiguchi, Juan Archuleta, and Ulka Sasaki, this fight is more than just another challenge; it’s a culmination of years of dedication and hard work.
Pantoja, on the other hand, enters the ring at 28-5 with an impressive resume that includes victories against Steve Erceg, Brandon Royval, Brandon Moreno, and Manel Kape. He has cemented his place as the division’s top dog.