RIZN’s Kai Asakura Joins The UFC – ‘I Will Become A Champion’
RIZN’s Kai Asakura has announced his departure from the organization to join the UFC.
Asakura made the comments during the RIZIN 47 card over the weekend. The fighter vacated his 135-pound belt. He leaves the promotion after becoming a two-time champion with a 13-3 record. He has two wins in his last bouts against Yuki Motoya and Juan Archuleta. His major wins against Kyoji Horiguchi, Manel Kape and Ulka Sasaki. While he has announced his departure, the UFC has not announced anything.
Asakura’s Aim
“I am giving up my belt and going to the UFC. I think there will be an announcement form the UFC soon, but it’s official that I’m going. This should be exciting news, but right now I feel very lonely. I believe that thanks to RIZIN, I who was originally no one, was recognized as a fighter, a martial artist, a man. And last year, on New Years’ Eve, it was Mr. Sakakibara who accepted my selfish request to go to the UFC without a single defense. I would like to thank Mr. Sakakibara from the bottom of my heart for his support. Thank you very much.
“There’s a regret that I lost three main games in a row on New Years’ Eve, but I also became a champion twice. I love RIZIN and its fans. I will definitely become a champion at UFC and I will bring fans from all over the world with me, so make sure to look forward to it. [And] I hope you will continue to support me,” Asakura stated
Elsewhere, former UFC fighter Marc Diakiese inked a deal with the PFL. Diakiese had 15 fights with the UFC during a seven-year period. He made his debut in 2016, earning three wins in a row. Marc then suffered three losses in his next three fights. His last UFC fight was in 2023, with a victory against Kaue Fernandes in a split decision. While he secured the win, it was not the level of opposition that he wanted to face.
Diakiese’s Future
“He’s from LFA, he just got signed. I want to fight this fight. It’s not a fight I would take usually because I’m always looking to move forward, but he’s an up-and-comer, he looks good, he’s got two good finishes,” Diakiese stated
The PFL made the announcement at their PFL Europe 2 card last weekend. Now, Diakiese has had his say.
“I am proud to call PFL my new home, and I can’t wait to get started. [And] I plan to debut in the SmartCage later this year to announce my arrival to the roster, and then I will enter the regular season where I’m coming for that $1 million dollar prize money. I back myself at lightweight, and I’m coming for everyone. This weight class is mine for the taking, and I feel the PFL Championship has my name all over it in 2025,” Diakiese stated
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