Boasting a staggering 62% KO/TKO rate during his time in RIZIN, Kai Asakura’s arrival to the UFC sent waves amongst the MMA sphere! The former two-time RIZIN champion signed with the UFC in June 2024. This milestone left fans scrambling to learn more about the man who has a highlight reel filled with spectacular knockouts. His professional MMA record? 21-4 with wins over names like Kyoji Horiguchi, Juan Archuleta, Ulka Sasaki, and current no.9 ranked UFC flyweight, Manel Kape!

The UFC is no stranger to global stars. Yet, few fighters have brought as much intrigue as Asakura. But behind the bright lights of the combat arenas he has fought in lies a deeper story—one rooted in tradition, culture, and family. Let’s explore all we know about his ethnicity, nationality, family, and more!

Where was Kai Asakura born?

Kai Asakura was born on October 31, 1993, in Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. This southeastern city, known for its cultural richness and scenic landscapes, played a pivotal role in shaping his early years. Bordering Shizuoka to the east and Mikawa Bay to the west, Toyohashi’s geography mirrors Kai’s dynamic style—a blend of calm precision and explosive energy.

Asakura’s ethnicity and upbringing are intertwined deeply with his Japanese heritage. While he keeps his parents out of the spotlight and the public eye, there’s no denying the fact that they played a significant role in his development. But it wasn’t all discipline. Kai and his elder brother, Mikuru, were infamous for their street fights in Toyohashi.

But if it wasn’t for his brother’s challenge, we wouldn’t have seen the rise of one of the most devastating knockout artists seen in the lighter-weight divisions! In his interview with UFC.com, the Japanese star revealed, “At 18 years old my brother called me out and challenged me to a street fight in the middle of the night. My brother was throwing hard punches at me and was really trying to take my head off, but he couldn’t land a clean shot. At that moment I realized I had a natural ability to fight and decided to actively train to become a MMA fighter.”

Kai Asakura’s success in mixed martial arts is a testament to his dedication, but it’s also a nod to his cultural roots. As a black belt in Zendo-kai Karate and a purple belt in Jiu-Jitsu, his techniques reflect the precision and honor often associated with Japanese martial arts.

All we know about Asakura’s background, family and parents

As mentioned above, Kai and Mikuru Asakura’s sibling rivalry often spilled into the streets, earning them local notoriety. But it was their mother, recognizing their raw energy, who stepped in. Concerned about their rebellious streak, she enrolled them in boxing classes, steering them toward a more structured outlet.

Their father introduced the young Kai to martial arts early on, supporting his foray into sumo. And in past interviews, the Japanese MMA star has credited these early experiences for instilling discipline and a love for competition. His roots in Toyohashi and the values instilled by his parents continue to shape his journey as a fighter and individual.

Beyond the realm of fighting, the younger Asakura brother is a multifaceted individual. With over a million YouTube subscribers and a flourishing apparel brand, En Mer, he’s become one of the biggest names to emerge out of Japanese MMA in recent years.

Now, at UFC 310, Kai Asakura is set to take on Alexandre Pantoja for the flyweight crown. Only 4 other UFC fighters have ever gotten the opportunity to challenge for the title in their debuts, and all of them came up short. Will Asakura defy the odds and etch his name in the history books as the first-ever Japanese UFC champion?  Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!