Kai Asakura, a prominent name in mixed martial arts, is set to make a strong statement as a UFC flyweight contender in his upcoming fight at UFC 319: Du Plessis vs Chimaev, scheduled for August 16, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. After an initial title shot against Alexandre Pantoja, Asakura aims to prove his growth and readiness with a fresh approach in the flyweight category, beginning with a bout against Tim Elliott.
Alexandre Pantoja’s Title Reign and Its Impact on Flyweight Contenders
Alexandre Pantoja’s journey to the flyweight championship has significantly shaped the division’s competitive landscape. Having faced many top-ranked contenders during his rise, Pantoja secured victories in key rematches against Brandon Moreno and Brandon Royval. These outcomes prompted the UFC to seek new challengers within and beyond its current flyweight roster. This search brought notable talents such as Steve Erceg and Kai Asakura into contention, intensifying the division’s depth in 2024.
Asakura’s Path to the UFC Flyweight Title Scene
Despite an impressive fanbase and highlight-packed career overseas, Asakura’s UFC debut came under high pressure, when he immediately challenged Pantoja for the title at UFC 310 in Las Vegas. Although showing early promise, Asakura was unable to overcome Pantoja, adding to the champion’s list of successful defenses. At 31 years old, Asakura is now pursuing a more methodical climb towards the belt, starting with his fight against veteran Tim Elliott at UFC 319.
A Clash of Experience: Asakura vs. Tim Elliott
Tim Elliott, a seasoned fighter and winner of The Ultimate Fighter: Tournament of Champions, shares a history not unlike Asakura’s—being thrust early into the championship spotlight, having challenged Demetrious Johnson for the title but ultimately losing by decision. With nearly nine years in the UFC, Elliott has remained a consistent presence near the top of the flyweight ranks, earning wins over fighters such as Louis Smolka, Mark De La Rosa, and Sumudaerji, and grabbing performance bonuses along the way.
Asakura, well aware of Elliott’s unconventional and tricky fighting style, expressed anticipation for their matchup.
“He’s a little bit of a weird fighter,”
Asakura said.
“It should be a pretty good and fun fight.”
—Kai Asakura, UFC flyweight contender
Growth and Determination Fueling Asakura’s UFC Journey
Having learned from his initial title shot and time in the UFC, Asakura is eager to demonstrate a more refined and impactful version of himself. The bout against Pantoja was his first fight at flyweight since 2017, and after various adjustments, he feels more at home in the division and better prepared to compete at the highest level. He remains confident, focusing on executing his knockout power against Elliott.
“It’s not that big of a difference between what I should do and what I want to do (in the fight),”
Asakura revealed.
“It’s the same thing. I’m going to knock him out, and that’s it.”
—Kai Asakura, UFC flyweight contender
Looking Ahead: Climbing Toward a Rematch with Pantoja
Kai Asakura represents Japan’s Top Team and is motivated by the possibility of once again facing Pantoja to challenge for the flyweight title. Pantoja, widely regarded as one of the division’s best champions since Demetrious Johnson, is preparing for a matchup against the rising star Joshua Van. Until then, Asakura’s immediate goal is to secure his first UFC victory and make a dramatic mark on the flyweight division.
Expressing his ambitions, Asakura stated:
“I have dreamed to be a UFC champion,”
and added,
“I’m happy to be fighting here. I’m going to show my skills and everything in the Octagon.”
—Kai Asakura, UFC flyweight contender
UFC 319 Event Details
Fans can expect an intense night of competition on August 16, 2025, as UFC 319 unfolds live from Chicago. The prelims start at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, while the main card airs on pay-per-view beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Asakura’s fight against Elliott is poised to be a highlight, testing both fighters’ resolve and potential to rise further within the UFC flyweight rankings.