Former two-time RIZIN champ Kai Asakura was looking to build on his first victory inside the UFC octagon when he faced off against Aoriqileng at UFC Shanghai on Saturday.
Asakura had come up short in an immediate title shot at flyweight, then lost again against Tim Elliott before moving back to 135lbs to snag his first win. The Japanese star was in enemy territory against Mongolian Aoriqileng, who entered off a loss against Cody Haddon.
Both fighters started cautiously in the opening round, feeling each other out and gauging distance through the first minute. Asakura pressed forward, landing a good hook to the body and a left hand upstairs. Aoriqileng returned to the center of the cage and ate a low leg kick. The round was momentarily stopped due to an accidental eye poke by Asakura, with Aoriqileng landing a few leg kicks of his own when action returned. Near the end of the round Asakura pressed the fight to the fence, initiating the the clinch and jumping out to an early lead.
To start the second Asakura landed a massive head kick that dropped Aoriqileng, pouncing on his opponent Asakura landed devastating ground and pound to win the fight by KO/TKO. A beautiful sequence by Asakura who looks much more natural at this weight class through two fights.
In his post fight interview, Asakura stated he was very happy with his performance and his striking is the best, in his next fight he would like a big opponent. This was Asakura’s 18th finish in his career.
Official Result: Kai Asakura def. Aoriqileng by TKO (head kick and punches), Round 2, 0:34
