Kai Asakura’s transition to the UFC has sent shockwaves through the MMA community. The former two-time RIZIN bantamweight champion officially signed with the promotion in June 2024, instantly igniting excitement among fans eager to see his signature highlight-reel finishes on the sport’s biggest stage.

Asakura’s resume speaks for itself and though the UFC has always been home to global superstars, few fighters have generated the kind of buzz the Japanese ace has upon joining. In this article, we take a closer look at Asakura’s physical attributes and MMA stats. Let’s dive into it!

How tall is Kai Asakura? Reach, weight, and more 

Kai Asakura’s fighting style is a masterful blend of aggressive striking, quick counterattacks, and devastating knockout power, making him a formidable presence in the cage. Standing at 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm), Asakura possesses a compact, explosive frame that perfectly complements his dynamic skill set.

Asakura’s height gives him the ideal balance of mobility and power, enabling him to close the distance with ease or evade danger while staying in striking range. The Japanese ace boasts a reach of 69 inches (175 cm), which he expertly uses to enhance his striking accuracy and control during exchanges. His reach, paired with his impeccable footwork and movement, enables him to land powerful punches while skillfully evading incoming strikes. Coming in the flyweight division at around 125lbs (57 kg), Asakura’s natural weight aligns seamlessly with the division’s standards. However, the Japanese fighter reportedly walks around at 134lbs (61 kg) when he is not competing.

Renowned for his discipline, Asakura has mastered the art of weight cutting, maintaining a lean and athletic frame that complements his explosive fighting style. As the 31-year-old looks to carve out his legacy in the UFC, fans are eager to learn about his impressive record and career milestones.

Kai Asakura’s MMA record and stats

With an impressive professional MMA record of 21 wins and 4 losses, Asakura’s journey is a testament to his explosive striking, knockout power, and relentless fighting spirit. From humble beginnings in regional promotions to dominating the Japanese MMA scene, Asakura’s career trajectory skyrocketed when he joined the RIZIN Fighting Federation, where he truly made his mark. With an impressive 62% KO/TKO rate during his time in Japan, Asakura is truly a finishing machine.

His striking accuracy is one of his standout attributes, which includes 13 knockouts. Asakura’s aggressive style relies on his ability to land clean shots, often using his speed and movement to create openings for powerful strikes. During his tenure at RIZIN, Asakura became known for his jaw-dropping knockouts and high-paced offense, earning him a reputation as one of the most exciting fighters in the sport. Among his greatest achievements are his two reigns as the RIZIN Bantamweight Champion, with standout victories over elite opponents like Kyoji Horiguchi and Juan Archuleta, Ulka Sasaki, and current UFC flyweight contender Manel Kape.

In terms of takedown defense, Asakura has shown solid ability to keep fights standing and has won three fights by submission. His footwork and defensive skills allow him to avoid being controlled on the ground, but he’s not known for his dominant wrestling or submission game. Now entering into the UFC, entering a new promotion with tougher competition, he faces a formidable challenge in his debut—taking on Alexandre Pantoja for the flyweight title at UFC 310. Will he claim UFC gold in his first fight under the promotion? Share your predictions in the comments below!