Opponent of Alexandre pantoja in the main fight of UFC 310, Kai Asakura has an unusual opportunity, to say the least. The Japanese fighter could become the new flyweight champion (up to 56,7 kg) of the biggest MMA event in the world in his debut in the organization. However, the former owner of the Rizin bantamweight belt (up to 61,2 kg) is not the first to have this opportunity, but he could be the first to win.
Therefore, the SUPER FIGHTS brings a list of other athletes who debuted in the UFC as belt challengers.
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Hayato sakurai
Despite being the first flyweight (up to 56,7 kg), Asakura is not even the first Japanese to debut in a title fight. In March 2002, former Shooto champion and MMA legend in the East, Hayato Sakurai, faced the American Matt hugs for the welterweight title (up to 77,1 kg.) at UFC 36.
Matt hugs(30-3) vs Hayato “Mach” Sakurai(19-1-2)
UFC 36: Worlds Collide
March 22nd 2002
Requested: @Unifiedrulespo1 pic.twitter.com/vE5wNq9IUR
— Underrated Combat Sports Tribal Chief (@MMAUnderrated) July 8, 2024
On that occasion, the challenger was defeated by technical knockout in the fourth round, after taking a series of blows on the ground from the wrestler. This was Sakurai's only fight in the Ultimate, and he then returned to competing in Asian events.
Frank Trigg
Also in the welterweight division (up to 77,1 kg), Frank Trigg faced off against Matt hugs in November 2003, at UFC 45. Known since their wrestling days, a rivalry quickly emerged between the two fighters.
After several power struggles in the clinch, Hughes managed to win the fight by submission in the first round, with the first standing rear naked choke in the company's history.
Matt hugs vs Frank Trigg at UFC 52 in Uncasville, Connecticut on November 21, 2003. #DWCOTD pic.twitter.com/BNfX6DwZLp
- danawhite (@danawhite) January 7, 2016
Gilbert Melendez
Speaking of names that dominated other events, former Strikeforce lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg), Gilbert Melendez faced Ben henderson in April 2013, for the UFC lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg). The belt holder had built a solid career in the WEC, and faced Melendez as the third defense of the Ultimate title.
Gilbert Melendez (right) faced Benson Henderson in 2013. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
After five intense rounds, Ben henderson was declared the winner by split decision, a result disputed by many. After the victory, the champion took the opportunity to ask his then girlfriend, Maria, to marry him. The two are still together today.
Joe soto
Joe Soto, in turn, was the only challenger to receive the opportunity to fight for the belt at short notice. Ten years ago, in August 2014, the American was preparing to debut on the preliminary card of UFC 177, against Anthony Birchak. In the main fight of the night, Renan Barao was trying to regain the bantamweight title (up to 61,2 kg) in a rematch with TJ Dillashaw. However, the Brazilian fell ill during the weight cut and the solution was to offer the fight to Soto, who accepted.
TJ (pictured) made his first title defense against Soto. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
Despite showing great courage, the fighter was no match for Dillashaw, who was on the rise. He was knocked out with a kick to the head in the fifth and final round of the fight. The fighter remained in the UFC until 2018.
Kai Asakura
To this day, no fighter has managed to defeat the reigning champion and win the UFC belt in his first fight in the organization. Kai Asakura can achieve the unprecedented feat this Saturday (7), in the main fight of the UFC 310. In his path is the Brazilian Alexandre pantoja, who is seeking the third defense of his flyweight title (up to 56,7 kg).
Asakura makes his debut in UFC 310. Photo: Disclosure/UFC.
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Read More about: Alexandre pantoja, Benson henderson, Flyweight Belt, Frank Trigg, Gilbert Melendez, Hayato sakurai, Joe soto, Kai Asakura, Matt hugs, TJ Dillashaw, UFC 310
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