Kai Asakura returns at UFC 319 vs. Tim Elliott
Former RIZIN superstar Kai Asakura has the opportunity to bounce back.
At UFC 319, Asakura (21-5 MMA, 0-1 UFC) will make his second promotional appearance vs. Tim Elliott (20-13-1 MMA, 9-11 UFC) in a three-round flyweight bout. The event takes place Aug. 16 at United Center in Chicago and is headlined by Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev.
Both fighters recently announced the booking on social media. The fight was first reported by X user @realkevin.
Asakura, 31, signed with the UFC in 2024 and debuted in a title fight vs. champion Alexandre Pantoja, which he lost by second-round submission. Prior to his UFC onboarding, however, Asakura built his brand in his home country of Japan as one of its biggest stars. His only losses prior to Pantoja were to Kyoji Horiguchi, Manel Kape, and Hiromasa Ougikubo. All three of those fighters Asakura also holds wins over.
Elliott, 38, hasn't competed since a December 2023 submission win over Su Mudaerji. The victory was his third in four fights. Elliott was scheduled to compete vs. Tatsuro Taira in May 2024 but withdrew.
With the addition, the UFC 319 lineup now includes:
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