Kai Asakura finally delivered the performance UFC fans had been anticipating. The former RIZIN star, making his bantamweight debut after a challenging start in the Octagon, took less than two minutes to defeat Cameron Smotherman on Saturday at UFC Macau.
Asakura entered the fight seeking his inaugural UFC win, following consecutive submission defeats to former flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja and veteran contender Tim Elliott. The move up to the 135-pound division immediately seemed beneficial.
From the opening bell, the Japanese fighter appeared fast, powerful, and completely comfortable. He initiated the bout with a series of damaging leg kicks, then transitioned to sharp boxing combinations that consistently pushed Smotherman onto the defensive.
The pressure quickly began to yield results.
A precise right hand stunned the American fighter, leaving him struggling to regain his balance. Sensing an imminent finish, Kai Asakura pressed forward, cornering Smotherman against the fence before unleashing a powerful left hook that sent his opponent to the canvas.
Minimal follow-up strikes were necessary before the referee intervened to stop the bout at 1:50 of the first round.
With this victory, Kai Asakura improves his professional MMA record to 22 wins and 6 losses. This first-round stoppage marked his 17th career finish and could signify the dawn of a new era for him in the Octagon.
