The UFC has seen its fair share of game-changing debuts, but how often does a newcomer step straight into the main event against a reigning champion? That’s the scenario for UFC 310, where flyweight king Alexandre Pantoja defends his belt against the Japanese newcomer. Set for December 7 in Las Vegas, this fight is more than just a title clash; it’s a test for one of Dana White’s most exciting international signings. The stakes couldn’t be higher for the 31-year-old newcomer.

Can he make the leap from RIZIN to the UFC? That’s the question now on everyone’s mind. Michael Bisping weighed in on Kai Asakura’s much-awaited debut by pointing out, “The big difference between Pride and the UFC is that they are competed in a ring. and the reason why this is going to be interesting is because has he adapted his style to the UFC?” And why is the adaptation so important?

As a two-time RIZIN bantamweight champion with an impressive 21-4 record, Asakura made waves in Japan. His wins over UFC names like Manel Kape and Kyoji Horiguchi underscored his ability to compete at the highest level. But stepping into the octagon against someone like Alexandre Panotja is a different ballgame. As Bisping pointed out, “It is an entirely different world, fighting in a ring, fighting in a cage.”

The adjustment to the cage might be Asakura’s biggest challenge. In his most recent fight at RIZIN 45, Asakura reclaimed his bantamweight title with a devastating knee to Juan Archuleta, a highlighting reel finish that showcased his striking brilliance. But as Bisping noted, during that fight, Asakura relied heavily on the ropes to avoid takedowns, something he won’t have in the cage.

Can Kai Asakura’s ring tactics translate to the cage?

Bisping explained, “Obviously in a cage, you can’t do that. So if you’re pushed up against it, your feet are perpendicular to your body, and that makes it easier for somebody like Alexandre Pantoja to get a hold of a leg, a single leg, a double, a high crotch, whatever the case maybe and take you down”, and he’s not wrong. Pantoja, currently riding a winning streak, has built his legacy on a mix of elite striking and lethal submissions, including victories over Brandon Royval and Alex Perez.

Kai Asakura’s debut isn’t just about personal glory but rather a chance to break the stigma surrounding Japanese fighters in the Octagon. Historically, many have struggled to adapt from the ring to the cage. Bisping emphasized, “Remember when UFC bought out Pride? A lot of fighters came over, some of them did well, some of them did okay, some of them did terribly.”

But the bold decision Asakura took to vacate his RIZIN title and sign with the UFC spoke about his self-confidence. With Dana White putting him straight into a title fight, there is something spectacular to witness. “This is a man that is extremely explosive, he’s a life long martial artist, bone breaking power as I said,” Bisping affirmed on Asakura’s potential, adding, “But if you can’t stop the take down then I tell you what, he’s gonna be another fighter coming over from Japan, and not making the transition,” as he highlighted the challenges of adapting to the UFC’s unique demands.

As the countdown to UFC 310 continues, the big question looms: Can Kai Asakura defy the odds and shock the world? For Dana White, putting the Japanese newcomer straight into a title fight is a bold gamble, one that could pay off spectacularly or lead to crushing disappointment. What do you think—will his explosive power and finishing ability catch Pantoja off guard, or will the champion’s well-rounded game plan prevail? Let us know in the comments below.