Kai Asakura has finally decided to dawn the fabled canvas of the UFC with a mission to make history. Set to debut against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 310, Asakura’s impressive record and dynamic fighting style have fans eagerly awaiting his arrival. But what’s even more fascinating than his accolades? It’s the origin story of how this Flyweight star and former RIZIN champion found his calling in MMA—a tale that feels ripped straight from the pages of an anime.

In a story reminiscent of the Shinazugawa brothers from Demon Slayer, Asakura’s journey to MMA is one of family rivalry, grit, and raw potential. During an interview for the UFC 310 Countdown episode, the Japanese superstar shared how his older brother, Mikuru Asakura, unwittingly ignited his passion for fighting.

Reflecting on that pivotal moment, Kai said, “My older brother was fighting in the street every day. He beat everyone, and there was no one left to fight. So one day, in the middle of the night, he called me out into the street. Suddenly, he handed me boxing gloves and came at me, trying to kill me with each strike. I dodged everything. It was the first time I was in a real fight, and that’s when I realized I had serious potential as a fighter. That moment is what drove me to start training in MMA.”

Surprisingly, it was a street fight with his older brother that helped Kai Asakura discover his true potential as a fighter. But what makes this story even more intriguing is that his brother isn’t just any street fighter—he’s a renowned mixed martial artist who competed in RIZIN’s featherweight division. A former Fighting Network Rings 143-pound and 154-pound champion, Mikuru is not only a successful fighter but also a popular YouTuber in Japan. Mikuru even faced the legendary Floyd Mayweather in an exhibition bout at Japan’s Saitama Super Arena on September 24, 2022, though he ultimately lost the fight.

Fans were astonished by this revelation, with many expressing their reactions in the comments of an Instagram post by Home of Fight. The story of the Asakura brothers—both warriors in their own right—adds a layer of depth to Kai’s journey, showing how sibling rivalry and shared ambition helped mold him into the MMA sensation he is today.

Fans cannot believe the origin story of Kai Asakura

Over the years, MMA fans have been captivated by the compelling origin stories of their favorite fighters, detailing early life struggles and the moments that led them to embrace the sport. Recently, Kai Asakura, a former Rizin champion and UFC debutant shared his fascinating backstory, highlighting the pivotal role his elder brother played in introducing him to martial arts.

It all began with an unexpected street fight against his brother, Mikuru Asakura, a well-known MMA fighter in Japan. After that intense encounter, their mother decided to enroll both brothers in boxing classes, marking the start of Kai’s journey in combat sports. Fans were quick to draw parallels between Kai’s story and the dramatic narratives of anime characters. One fan commented, “That’s the most anime backstory I’ve heard,” while another chimed in with, “Real-life anime story.”

Many followers also pointed out Mikuru’s fame and achievements. A former Fighting Network Rings 143-pound and 154-pound champion, Mikuru is not only a successful fighter but also a popular YouTuber in Japan.

Fans had more to say about the Asakura brothers. One follower noted the similarity between Kai’s fighting style and that of UFC lightweight Bobby Green, writing, “Bro’s fighting style is the same as Bobby Green,” referencing Green’s unique ‘hood’ fighting style and Brazilian jiu-jitsu prowess. Another fan was stunned by the footage of the brothers’ street fight, commenting, “The 1st video is diabolical.”

Adding to the intrigue, a fan shared Mikuru’s success off the mats, writing, “Mikuru Asakura is a millionaire and a big star in Japan,” highlighting his estimated net worth of $1.7 million. However, not everyone was satisfied with just the origin story. One curious follower asked, “Ok, but how’s that fight end? Half a story.”

Kai Asakura’s unique path to MMA has already fascinated fans, and his upcoming UFC 310 title fight against Alexandre Pantoja is highly anticipated. What do you think about Kai Asakura’s journey? Will his debut live up to the hype, and can he make a name for himself in the UFC? Share your thoughts below!