‘Father-like’ Nobuyuki Sakakibara explains why he didn’t ‘lock up’ new UFC signee Kai Asakura in RIZIN contract

The UFC has a new international superstar on its hands.

Truly “big” signings to the MMA leader feel like a dime a dozen these days. A solid debate can be argued about whether or not the now-former RIZIN bantamweight champion Kai Asakura even qualifies as one. However, when it comes to Japan specifically, he undeniably is a massive get for the market.

A two-time champion in his fighting home of six years, Asakura felt he was ready to move on after his latest title win, a phenomenal second-round TKO (knee to the body and punches) of former Bellator and RIZIN champion Juan Archuleta at RIZIN 45 in December. RIZIN Founder Nobuyuki Sakakibara explained it was all a matter of competition that got the best of one of his biggest stars.

MMA Mania on BROADENED HORIZIN. “Obviously, he’s fought for ROAD FC, he’s fought for the outsider, but his past few years and what made Kai who he is today: He only knows RIZIN.

“Once a fighter accomplishes something, they don’t become satisfied. The fighters continue to want to challenge themselves. They want to know where they stand globally, right? Kai wasn’t satisfied with just being the RIZIN champion. He wanted to continue to push himself. He wanted to continue to challenge himself to confirm where he’s at globally.”

For comparison’s sake, the Asakura brothers are essentially the Japanese equivalent of the Paul brothers, but legitimately talented at a high level in their respective combat sports. Sorry, not sorry, Jake and Logan.

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