UFC announced that newcomer Kai Asakura, who recently signed with the promotion, will challenge flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja in his debut at UFC 310: Muhammad vs Rakhmonov on December 7, 2024.
Asakura, a two-time RIZIN bantamweight champion, enters the UFC with an impressive 21-4 professional record, including 16 finishes—13 by knockout and three by submission. He also holds a victory over No. 9 ranked UFC flyweight contender Manel Kape and former UFC flyweight title challenger Kyoji Horiguchi.
In his most recent fight, Tokyo’s Asakura reclaimed his RIZIN bantamweight title by finishing Juan Archuleta in the second round at RIZIN 45 this past December.