Asakura Vows New Combination In Shanghai KO Bid

Kai Asakura plans to debut new striking sequences when he meets Qileng Aori at UFC Shanghai this Saturday.

The former Rizin champion, who dropped his first two UFC bouts at flyweight before rebounding with a win over Cameron Smotherman at bantamweight earlier this year, told reporters at the UFC Shanghai media day that he intends to finish Aori with techniques he has not shown in the Octagon. "I will knock him out and I will show a new combination this Saturday," Asakura said, per Sherdog.

Asakura Eyes Activity After Bantamweight Breakthrough

Asakura indicated he feels more comfortable at 135 pounds and wants to fight again before the year ends. The Japanese striker also expressed interest in competing on a UFC card in his home country, where he believes an event would draw strong interest.

He added that he has improved since his last outing. Asakura faces Aori on the Aug. 29 card in Shanghai looking to extend his win streak to two and establish himself as a factor in the bantamweight division after a rough start to his UFC tenure.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Kai Asakura vows to show ‘new combination’ in UFC Shanghai KO bid