MMA Match Preview: Tim Elliott (21-13-1) vs. Kai Asakura (21-5)

Fight Details

Attribute	Info
Event	UFC 319: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev
Matchup	Tim Elliott vs. Kai Asakura
Division	Flyweight (125 lbs)
Date	Saturday, August 16, 2025
Venue	United Center, Chicago, IL
Broadcast	ESPN+, Pay-Per-View
Bout Placement	Main Card (Fight 9 of 13)

Fighter Breakdown

Tim Elliott

Record: 21–13–1

Age: 38

Height/Reach: 5’7″ / 66″

Style: Scrambly wrestler with unpredictable movement

Key Traits:

Veteran of 20+ UFC fights

Known for cardio, awkward rhythm, and submission defense

Trains out of Glory MMA and Fitness

Kai Asakura

Record: 21–5

Age: 31

Height/Reach: 5’8″ / 69″

Style: Precision striker with knockout power

Key Traits:

Former RIZIN bantamweight champion

Debuting in UFC flyweight division

Trains out of Japan Top Team

Tactical Preview

Elliott’s Path to Victory:

Create chaos with scrambles and takedown chains

Avoid prolonged striking exchanges

Use veteran savvy to frustrate Asakura’s timing

Asakura’s Path to Victory:

Keep the fight standing and use reach advantage

Counter Elliott’s entries with straight shots

Stay composed through Elliott’s unorthodox rhythm

Rankings & Implications

Fighter	Flyweight Rank (Global)
Tim Elliott	#22
Kai Asakura	#16

A win for Asakura would validate his transition from RIZIN and push him toward a top-10 opponent

A win for Elliott keeps him relevant as a gatekeeper and disrupts Asakura’s UFC rise