Kai Asakura vows to show ‘new combination’ in UFC Shanghai KO bid

Kai Asakura is intent on making a statement in his second UFC fight at bantamweight when he faces Qileng Aori at UFC Shanghai on August 29. The former Rizin champion endured a rough start in the UFC, dropping his first two bouts before finding success after moving up to the 135-pound division with a win over Cameron Smotherman earlier this year.

Fully settled at bantamweight, Asakura is targeting nothing less than a knockout finish against Aori. The Japanese fighter pledged to extend his current win streak while showcasing offensive improvements he has developed. "I will knock him out and I will show a new combination this Saturday," Asakura said at UFC Shanghai media day.

Beyond this fight, Asakura is focused on maintaining momentum through the remainder of 2026 with multiple bouts. He has also expressed strong interest in competing in his native Japan, where he anticipates significant fan interest in a UFC event. With confidence that he is stronger than in his previous outing, Asakura appears primed to make a deeper run through the bantamweight ranks following his divisional move.