Kai Asakura earns second victory at UFC bantamweight in Shanghai
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 31, 2026, 6:44 AM
Last updated Aug 31, 2026
Kai Asakura secured a second-round technical knockout win against Qileng Aori at UFC Shanghai on August 29. This result moves Asakura to a 2-0 record in the bantamweight division since moving up from flyweight. The Japanese fighter previously lost his first two UFC bouts via submission during his time at the lower weight class. Following the win, Asakura stated that competing at 135 pounds has improved his power, speed, and overall confidence in the cage. He successfully utilized a head kick to finish the sequence after creating distance to counter his opponent. Asakura now seeks an opportunity to face a ranked opponent within the top 15 of the bantamweight division for his next outing.
- •Kai Asakura stopped Qileng Aori via second-round technical knockout on August 29.
- •The victory marks Asakura's second consecutive win since moving to the bantamweight division.
- •Asakura attributed his improved performance to increased power and speed at 135 pounds.
- •The fighter expressed a desire to face a top 15-ranked opponent in his next bout.
- 2:30 PMYahoo Sports — Kai Asakura loving bantamweight transition after UFC Shanghai finish
- 6:44 AMYahoo Sports — Kai Asakura finds new life in UFC following rocky flyweight start
- 6:44 AMSherdog — Kai Asakura finds new life in UFC following rocky flyweight start
"Kai Asakura is reinvigorated at bantamweight following a rocky start in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
"Kai Asakura is reinvigorated at bantamweight following a rocky start in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
"Kai Asakura is feeling like a new fighter with his move to bantamweight.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 2:30 PMKai Asakura loving bantamweight transition after UFC Shanghai finish
Kai Asakura is feeling like a new fighter with his move to bantamweight.
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 6:44 AMKai Asakura finds new life in UFC following rocky flyweight start
Kai Asakura is reinvigorated at bantamweight following a rocky start in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
- SherdogAug 31, 2026, 6:44 AMKai Asakura finds new life in UFC following rocky flyweight start
Kai Asakura is reinvigorated at bantamweight following a rocky start in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
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