It is impossible to talk about the history of MMA without mentioning Japan's contribution. The country is home to Shooto, the first mixed martial arts event in history, founded in 1985 and which continues to this day. Other companies such as RINGS, Pancrase and, of course, PRIDE have brought to the public some very important names that have left their mark on the history of the sport.
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In fact, it is also undeniable that without figures like Kazushi Sakuraba, Hidehiko Yoshida and Takanori Gomi, MMA certainly would not have developed the way it did. However, despite countless attempts, the UFC has never managed to replicate the media success of Japanese fighters with Western audiences, and worse, it has not yet achieved the expected success in the Japanese market. And it was not for lack of trying.
PRIDE dominated Japan
Takanori Gomi (right) was one of the stars of Pride. Photo: Susumu Nagao
It's important to point out that after PRIDE went bankrupt in 2007, the UFC's original plan was to keep the brand in Japan, which didn't work out. Since then, only five events have been held in the Land of the Rising Sun, with one of them being pay-per-view (UFC 144).
Furthermore, names like the aforementioned Takanori Gomi, Kazuhiro Nakamura, and Yushin Okami didn't have good times in the organization, and with the end of the peak of other athletes, such as Quinton Jackson and Wanderlei Silva , the UFC is still seeking greater dominance in the nation. And that may be close to happening.
The Japanese sensation! @Kai_1031_ looks to claim undisputed gold in his UFC debut! #UFC310
Pantoja vs Asakura | LIVE on PPV | Dec 7th pic.twitter.com/6FpjrXzgmC
— UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) November 26, 2024
Kai Asakura is the main bet
In this context, names like Tatsuro Taira and the creation of the 'Road to UFC' emerge as hope, but it's fair to say that the signing of Kai Asakura is the organization's most significant attempt. With 25 professional fights, the former Rizin bantamweight champion (up to 61,2 kg) arrives in the UFC already competing for the flyweight title (up to 56,7 kg), a division in which he hasn't competed regularly for almost a decade.
UFC Version pic.twitter.com/VaXa1yV3Be
— 朝倉海Kai Asakura (@kai_1031_) October 30, 2024
The athlete seems to be aware of his position, even recently stating that a victory against Brazilian Alexandre Pantoja this Saturday (7) is the wish of the company executives. The two will headline UFC 310 , the last pay-per-view of 2024.
Of course, Asakura's commercial success is not directly related to winning the belt, but it is undeniable that this goal becomes much more achievable if the fighter wins the duel against Pantoja and becomes the first Japanese fighter in history to wear the Ultimate belt. Whether this bet will pay off, only time will tell.
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