Kai Asakura announces move to UFC, vacates RIZIN bantamweight title

Kai Asakura has a new place to call home after announcing during Sunday’s RIZIN 47 card in Tokyo he has vacated the RIZIN 135-pound title to join the UFC. The two-time RIZIN champion went 13-3 under the company’s banner and leaves to the UFC after winning back-to-back bouts over Yuki Motoya and Juan Archuleta, regaining his belt in December 2023.

The UFC has yet to officially announce the signing and a date and opponent for Asakura’s octagon debut.

“I...