The highly anticipated showdown between Kai Asakura and Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 310 promises to set the flyweight division ablaze. Asakura, a former RIZIN champion with a penchant for highlight-reel knockouts is eager to leave his mark in his UFC debut. Across the Octagon stands Pantoja, renowned for his rugged fighting style and champion’s mindset.

A household name in Japan, Asakura carries the hopes of his nation into this fight. A victory could do more than just cement his status as a global star—it might provide UFC President Dana White the key to unlocking the lucrative yet elusive Japanese market. However, it remains to be if Asakura will transition smoothly to the promotion or not. Former double champ Henry Cejudo weighed in on the matchup, pointing out what he believes will be Asakura’s biggest challenge.

Henry Cejudo is concerned about Kai Asakura fighting at 125lbs

Kai Asakura’s dominance in RIZIN was nothing short of spectacular, cementing his status as one of the most dynamic and feared fighters in Japanese MMA. His striking arsenal, blending precision with devastating power, became his signature, leaving opponents struggling to find answers. However, his UFC debut at UFC 310 comes with a significant challenge: Asakura will move down to the 125lbs flyweight division for the first time in his career—a move that raises concerns about his ability to cut down that weight and also recover efficiently.

Weight cuts in MMA are notoriously grueling, and many fighters struggle to fully recover in time for their bouts. While Asakura has the skills to trouble Pantoja, Henry Cejudo believes the weight cut could be his biggest obstacle in this fight. During the Pound 4 Pound podcast with Kamaru Usman, ‘Triple C’ shared his thoughts on the matchup, expressing both excitement and concern.

“I mean, he’s gone through the unanimous decisions but TKO. I mean this dude is known for staying on his feet and hurting people up top. But he is also going down to 125 pounds, a weight class that he has never made. And my biggest question is: will he recover?” Cejudo said. “If he has the ability to recover for Pantoja because he will be coming straight forward and could probably hurt him and knock him out. But I think Pantoja is gonna be too smart.”

Pantoja is fully aware of the serious challenge posed by Asakura and is taking meticulous steps to prepare for their highly anticipated showdown. To gain a strategic advantage, Pantoja has enlisted the expertise of Kyoji Horiguchi, a seasoned veteran and RIZIN champion.  While the Brazilian’s preparation reflects his respect for Asakura’s skill set, he now faces an additional challenge pointed out by none other than Michael Bisping. The former UFC middleweight champion recently shared his thoughts on the matchup, highlighting a potential vulnerability for Pantoja.

Michael Bisping weighs in on the knockout ability of Asakura

With 13 knockouts and three submissions in 25 professional fights, Asakura’s dangerous skill set promises fireworks in his UFC debut. The burning question is whether he can overcome the incredible toughness and resilience of reigning champion, Alexandre Pantoja. Former middleweight champion Michael Bisping believes Asakura may have the edge in striking. While Pantoja is a grappler who will undoubtedly aim to take the fight to the ground, Asakura’s knockout power could turn the tide.

Speaking to Adam Catterall and Nick Peet on TNT Sports, Bisping highlighted the Japanese fighter’s devastating potential, “This guy is a champion out of Japan from RIZIN. Of course, on a number of occasions, he’s got bone-breaking power. He’s got jaw-breaking power in his punches and in his knees. The last time we saw him against Juan Archuleta, [he] crippled his opponent in what was a tremendous fight as well. Prior to that, this man was knocking people out left, right, and center.”

With an impressive resume and a highlight reel packed with jaw-dropping finishes, Asakura has already cemented his legacy in RIZIN. Now, he steps onto the sport’s biggest stage, aiming to shock the world and capture flyweight gold in his UFC debut. Can Asakura pull off the unthinkable and dethrone Pantoja at UFC 310 to become champion? Share your predictions in the comments below!