Kai Asakura hears the criticism loud and clear, and he’s trying to channel it properly.
At UFC 319, Asakura (21-6 MMA, 0-2 UFC) was submitted for the second time in as many fights since coming over to the promotion from RIZIN.
“I’m truly sorry to everyone who supported me,” Asakura wrote Monday on Instagram in Japanese. “Honestly, I’m disappointed in myself. Things don’t always go as planned, but I won’t give up and will keep working hard to get back on track.
“I’ll become stronger and prove it with results so that I can someday look back on this loss as a positive experience. I’ll accept harsh criticism and come back stronger.”
Asakura, 31, is one of Japan’s biggest combat sports stars but has struggled in the UFC. He debuted in a title fight in December and lost to Alexandre Pantoja by second-round submission. Then on Saturday in Chicago, longtime flyweight staple Tim Elliott upset Asakura, also by second-round submission.
Prior to his UFC signing, Asakura held RIZIN gold. Notable wins included Kyoji Horiguchi and Juan Archuleta among others.
