Kai Asakura targets August return in Shanghai after bantamweight debut

Kai Asakura says he feels excellent at bantamweight and wants to return to action in August at the Shanghai card. After two consecutive losses, Asakura admitted he seriously considered retirement if he had lost again, feeling he would have been cut from the UFC with nowhere else to go. The Japanese fighter believes he performs better at 135 pounds, retaining more muscle mass, power, and speed compared to flyweight. He is targeting a knockout victory in his next fight against a ranked opponent.