Asakura On Bantamweight Move After Flyweight Struggles

Kai Asakura has found his footing at bantamweight after a difficult flyweight run ended in back-to-back submission losses.

The Japanese fighter stopped Qileng Aori in the second round at UFC Shanghai on Aug. 29, according to Sherdog. The finish gave Asakura his second straight win at 135 pounds following an 0-2 start in the promotion at flyweight.

Asakura Credits Power and Speed at 135 Pounds

Asakura told reporters after the bout that competing at bantamweight allows him to be more aggressive than he could be at 125 pounds. "At bantamweight, I have more power and I have more speed," he said, per Sherdog. "So, I feel like I can fight with more confidence than at flyweight."

He walked through the sequence that led to the stoppage, explaining that Aori was backing up and looking to counter with the right hand. Asakura closed the distance and mixed in a head kick after noticing his opponent focusing on body shots.

With two finishes at bantamweight, Asakura said he wants a ranked opponent next. "I want to fight in top 15, anyone," he told UFC News on social media.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Kai Asakura finds new life in UFC following rocky flyweight start