Kai Asakura finally has momentum; UFC Shanghai will test it

A matchup pitting a former Rizin Fighting Federation champion from Japan against a Chinese 135-pounder is confirmed for the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s upcoming visit to Shanghai.

Kai Asakura seeks back-to-back UFC wins against Qileng Aori in Shanghai

After a stellar run in Rizin, Kai Asakura suffered back-to-back defeats at flyweight upon joining the UFC. He then moved up to bantamweight and picked up his first win in the promotion. Asakura will now look to compile a win streak when he takes on Qileng Aori at UFC Shanghai on Aug. 29.

Aori enters the bout with a 4-5-1 UFC record. He has struggled for consistency, with just two wins in his last six outings. The 33-year-old is coming off a TKO defeat to Cody Haddon in May.

Meanwhile, Asakura will look to build momentum after recording his maiden UFC win in May. He knocked out Cameron Smotherman at UFC Macau, marking his 17th finish in 22 career wins. Flyweight is firmly in the rear-view mirror for the Japanese star after he was submitted by former champion Alexandre Pantoja and Tim Elliott at 125 pounds.

This isn’t the only bantamweight bout confirmed for UFC Shanghai, as the Fight Night headliner features Umar Nurmagomedov against Yadong Song. Other Chinese fighters confirmed for the card include former title challenger Xiaonan Yan, veteran flyweight Su Mudaerji and UFC newcomer Ce Liu.

Kai Asakura has his next opponent 👀

He faces off against Aoriqileng at #UFCShanghai on August 29th! Who wins this matchup?

[ LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/g0IH69XInH— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) July 14, 2026