UFC 319: Tim Elliott vs Kai Asakura

At UFC 319 on Saturday, August 16, 2025, Tim Elliott returned to the Octagon to face Kai Asakura in a flyweight bout at the United Center in Chicago. Elliott was making his first appearance after nearly two years away from competition, while Asakura, a former RIZIN bantamweight champion, sought to rebound from a loss in his UFC debut. The matchup was highly anticipated, featuring Elliott’s veteran grappling against Asakura’s dynamic striking.

The first round started with Asakura asserting himself on the feet, landing crisp right hands and a head kick that briefly stunned Elliott. Despite the early pressure, Elliott maintained his composure, utilizing unorthodox movement and clinch control to avoid significant damage. A late takedown by Elliott in the final minute shifted the momentum slightly in his favor, giving him the confidence to implement his grappling strategy in the following rounds.

In the second round, Elliott’s grappling became the deciding factor. After a brief exchange on the feet, he executed a precise double-leg takedown and smoothly transitioned into a mounted guillotine choke. Asakura fought to escape, but Elliott’s grip remained unrelenting, forcing the tap at 4:39 of the round. The submission victory marked Elliott’s first win since December 2023, signaling a successful comeback.

Elliott’s performance highlighted his ability to adapt and capitalize on openings, showing that his grappling and submission skills remain elite despite the long layoff. His patience, timing, and technical execution allowed him to overcome Asakura’s striking threat and control the fight on the ground. The victory was not only a personal milestone but also a statement to the flyweight division that Elliott remains a competitive force.

For Asakura, the loss emphasized the challenges of facing a seasoned UFC veteran. Despite showing moments of striking brilliance and resilience, he was unable to counter Elliott’s grappling and submission tactics. The experience provided valuable lessons for Asakura as he continues to adjust to the speed, pressure, and strategic depth of UFC competition, making him a more seasoned and aware fighter for future matchups.