Tim Elliott, the flyweight contender and former UFC title challenger, is set to fight Kai Asakura at UFC 319 this Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago. Elliott credits this matchup for securing his place on the Pay-Per-View section of the card, highlighting the significance of facing Asakura in this high-profile event.
I’m super happy about the match-up. I was in the UFC before USADA, and I’m in the UFC after USADA. So I’ve fought on the big stages, on small stages, but honestly, fighting Kai is getting me a chance to be on the Pay-Per-View portion [of UFC 319],
Elliott shared during the media day ahead of the event.
I’m only fighting on the Pay-Per-View part because I’m fighting Kai. So I owe him a little bit for that. I’m excited to be here, and I love that, but I’ve been around for a long time and rarely get to fight on a Pay-Per-View card. That’s all his doing.
Kai Asakura’s Transition from RIZIN to UFC and Cage Experience
Kai Asakura is a former title contender who made an immediate impact in the UFC after arriving from RIZIN last year, where he primarily fought in a ring rather than a cage. Asakura received a swift title shot against Alexandre Pantoja but was defeated. He partly attributes the loss to adjusting to the cage environment, which differs greatly from the ring setup in his previous organization.
Elliott acknowledged the difference but suggested that adapting to the cage would not heavily influence the fight’s outcome.
I would imagine it’s very different. I feel like I would be the same way if I was fighting in a ring,
Elliott said, adding,
I expect him to be the best version of himself that there is.
He further explained,
It’s totally different I suppose. I’ve never been in a ring before, but it’s going to take more than one [fight to get accustomed]. But he’s a fighter, at the end of the day he’s really good at it. Where we’re fighting and how we’re fighting is not going to make too much of a difference. It’s not going to win or lose either one of us the fight. He got guillotined I think, so I don’t know how the cage has anything to do with that.
Tim Elliott’s Appreciation of Japanese Fight Fans and Culture
Facing an opponent from Japan has given Elliott insight into a different fan culture, marked by respect and enthusiasm for the sport rather than personal feuds or insults. He noted this as a refreshing change from previous experiences with fans who often focus on personal criticisms or dramatic rivalries.
It kind of gives me a new excitement in fighting to see fans that are just fans of fighting. They don’t really care about anything else, just that you fight and that you want to fight and that you can put on a good fight.
Elliott went on to observe,
So many people nitpick about everything, but I’ve got none of that dealing with the Japanese fans. Not only that, it’s really made me want to go visit the country and see it first hand.
Possible Future Sumo Match with Kai Asakura in Japan
Beyond the UFC octagon, Elliott’s interaction with Asakura and exposure to Japanese fighting culture might lead to something unexpected: a potential sumo wrestling match after UFC 319. Elliott, who has experience in beach wrestling, expressed enthusiasm about this cross-disciplinary opportunity as a way to connect further with Japanese fight fans.
It’s cool to see fight fans that are fans of fighting, and that’s it. Nothing else really matters. Because that’s what we’re doing here. That’s how it is really.
Looking Ahead to UFC 319 at the United Center
The fight between Tim Elliott and Kai Asakura is expected to be a highlight on the UFC 319 Pay-Per-View card. This matchup provides both fighters a chance to solidify their standing in the flyweight division while offering fans a compelling contest that merges diverse fighting experiences and cultural appreciation. Meanwhile, Elliott’s openness to future challenges like sumo matches reflects a broader interest in martial arts beyond just the UFC octagon, potentially opening new avenues for engagement with fans worldwide.