Overview

• Asakura announced the decision on his YouTube channel, with MMA News and Yahoo Sports relaying his comments.
• He will shift to 135 pounds after consecutive submission losses at flyweight, returning to the division where he previously claimed Rizin titles.
• He dropped his UFC debut to champion Alexandre Pantoja by second-round rear-naked choke at UFC 310 last December.
• He was submitted by Tim Elliott via guillotine in the second round at UFC 319 in August.
• No date or opponent is set for his bantamweight debut, and he says the move follows his own instincts with a focus on winning his next fight.