The stage is set for a seismic moment in MMA history when Kai Asakura steps into the Octagon for the first time. At UFC 310, the Japanese MMA star will challenge Alexandre Pantoja for the UFC flyweight title. Victory would etch Asakura’s name in history as the first Japanese champion in the UFC. But the stakes are higher than just gold; it’s about legacy, pride, and proving his star power on the sport’s biggest platform.

Asakura’s confidence is palpable. At the UFC 310 media day, he vowed to bring a style never before seen in the UFC. His aim? “I always aim to go for a KO finish. I’m an exciting fighter and I’m here to bring excitement back to the flyweight division.” But can he deliver? As fans eagerly wait to find out, it’s worth revisiting some other fighters who dared to debut with championship aspirations. Here’s a look at four unforgettable UFC title fights where debutants dared to dream big!

Joe Soto vs. TJ Dillashaw (2014)

Sometimes, opportunity knocks when you least expect it. Joe Soto was preparing for a preliminary bout at UFC 177 when the MMA gods threw him into the deep end. Renan Barao, TJ Dillashaw’s original opponent, dropped out the day before the event because of complications during his weight cut.

With the highly anticipated title rematch stuck in limbo, fans were left wondering, who would step up to challenge the surging Dillashaw who had ended Barao’s incredible run at the top of the bantamweight division. 

Enter Soto, thrust from obscurity to headlining a title fight on less than 24 hours’ notice. Dillashaw, the reigning bantamweight champion, dominated for most of the fight. Soto, though outmatched, showed flashes of resilience, even growing more confident as the rounds progressed.

But in the fifth, Dillashaw landed a brutal head kick followed by punches to seal the finish. Soto’s Cinderella moment didn’t end in victory, but it showcased the unpredictability of MMA. Could Asakura, with a full camp behind him, succeed where Soto couldn’t?

Gilbert Melendez vs. Benson Henderson (2013)

Gilbert Melendez entered the UFC as a proven commodity, having conquered Strikeforce as its lightweight king. Before UFC’s parent company Zuffa took over the promotion in 2013, Melendez had run riot with wins over names like Josh Thomson, Jorge Masvidal, and Shinya Aoki.

As such, his debut came with high expectations—and a title shot against UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson. The fight was razor-thin, a chess match of strikes and strategy. Henderson edged out a split decision, with judges and fans divided on the outcome. Melendez’s aggressive style made the fight memorable, but Henderson’s precision and calm under pressure secured the win.

The bout epitomized the fine margins of championship fights, as it had raised a lot of scrutiny in the MMA sphere after Henderson’s decision win. Will Kai Asakura, with his history of knockouts and being a former champion in another organization like Melendez, go for broke? Or will he opt for a more calculated approach to dethrone Pantoja? It remains to be seen!

Frank Trigg vs. Matt Hughes (2003)

Frank Trigg’s UFC debut wasn’t just a title fight—it was a collision of wrestling titans. Facing Matt Hughes, the dominant welterweight champion, Trigg had the pedigree to give Hughes a run for his money. Why? Trigg was a state-champion wrestler from New York who had also finished second in the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) championships.

But before the UFC came calling, Trigg made a name for himself in Shooto and even held the WFA (World Fighting Alliance) welterweight title. With the accolades to back up his skills, Trigg took on Hughes in his UFC debut at UFC 45: Revolution.

The result? A grappling masterclass with a dramatic finish. Trigg started strong, using his wrestling to control the early exchanges. But Hughes, ever the opportunist, turned the tide with a thunderous slam that echoed through the arena. Moments later, he locked in a rear-naked choke to retain his belt in the first round.

The fight showcased the unforgiving nature of the Octagon, where one mistake can cost you everything. And with a seasoned grappler like Alexandre Pantoja who boasts 10 wins by submission in his professional MMA career, Kai Asakura might need to keep history in mind as he sets out to accomplish something that has never been done in the UFC! 

Hayato Sakurai vs. Matt Hughes (2002)

Years before the former Rizin champ’s rise, another Japanese star, Hayato Sakurai, aimed for UFC glory. Originally making his mark in the famed Japanese organization, ‘Shoot’, Sakurai made a name for himself as a gritty warrior who put on incredible battles for the fans. In fact, he had also faced off against another name on this list, Frank Trigg and the two went back and forth before Sakurai pulled off a KO victory.

Then, at UFC 36 in 2002, he faced Matt Hughes for the welterweight crown in a battle that tested heart, grit, and endurance. Sakurai had his moments, including slick submission attempts and sharp striking. But Hughes’ relentless wrestling and ground-and-pound proved too much. By the fourth round, the referee stepped in, awarding Hughes the TKO victory.

Sakurai’s valiant effort remains a reminder of the challenge Asakura faces. Yet, unlike Sakurai, Asakura brings the momentum of a knockout-heavy career and a fresh opportunity to ignite Japanese MMA on the world stage. As evidenced by the list above, title fights in UFC debuts are rare, and victories even rarer. Yet, Kai Asakura’s self-belief and knockout pedigree make him a unique contender.

The odds may favor Pantoja, a seasoned champion with proven resilience, but MMA is the sport of surprises. As fight night approaches, fans can only speculate. But one thing is certain, Kai Asakura’s journey to the Octagon is already historic. What happens at UFC 310 could redefine his legacy—and the future of Japanese MMA. So, what do you think? Will Asakura make history and become Japan’s first UFC champion? Or will Pantoja defend his throne and send the newcomer back to the drawing board? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!