Kai Asakura Breaks Silence Post-UFC 310
Kai Asakura posted a message to supporters the day after his first fight for the promotion, a flyweight title challenge against Alexandre Pantoja. Pantoja won by rear-naked choke at 2:05 of the second round, retaining his title. The official event recap records the result.
The title fight
Asakura, a former two-time RIZIN bantamweight champion, entered the bout as the challenger in his first appearance for the promotion. Pantoja pressured him early, exchanged strikes with him, then took his back and secured the finish in round two, according to the official recap.
Asakura’s message
In a Japanese-language Instagram post, Asakura thanked supporters and apologized for not repaying their support with a win. In the English translation published by Sports Illustrated, he wrote, “Thank you for all your support. I’m sorry I couldn’t repay you with results.”
Asakura praised Pantoja as a great champion, took responsibility for falling short, and said he intended to climb back toward a title and return stronger. The statement described his goal after the loss; it did not guarantee another title opportunity.
After the debut
The second-round submission was Asakura’s first defeat in his new promotion. His message focused on gratitude, self-criticism and a stated ambition to become champion. The fight result and his post-fight statement are separate parts of the story: Pantoja retained the belt, while Asakura said he planned to work toward another run at it.
Conclusion
Asakura’s first public response after the loss thanked fans, acknowledged Pantoja’s ability and promised a stronger return. The official result was a second-round rear-naked choke for Pantoja, who successfully defended the flyweight title.
