UFC 319 Preview: Kai Asakura vs. Tim Elliott – Tale of the Tape and Prediction

UFC 319 is shaping up to be a pivotal night for the flyweight division, and one of the key bouts to watch features the return of Japan’s Kai Asakura against battle-hardened veteran Tim Elliott. Asakura, a two-time Rizin bantamweight champion, entered the UFC with immense hype earlier this year. Despite being thrown straight into a title fight against Alexandre Pantoja in his debut, he showcased explosive striking and fearless aggression before ultimately getting submitted in the second round. That experience, while humbling, was a valuable test of where he stands against the division’s elite. With a full training camp and less pressure this time, Asakura is expected to deliver a more composed and polished performance. His opponent, Tim Elliott, is a name fight fans have come to respect. With nearly 20 UFC appearances and a past title challenge of his own, Elliott is known for his high-paced wrestling, awkward movements, and scrappy grappling. He may not possess knockout power or elite athleticism, but he’s a master at making fights messy and uncomfortable. For Asakura, this is more than just a rebound fight—it’s a statement opportunity. If he can pass the Elliott test, he’ll firmly establish himself as a top contender in the UFC flyweight ranks.

Tale of the Tape

Category	Kai Asakura	Tim Elliott
Nickname	N/A	“The Executioner”
Age	30	37
Height	5’8″ (173 cm)	5’7″ (170 cm)
Reach	69″ (175 cm)	66″ (168 cm)
Record	20-4	19-13-1
Style	Striker	Wrestler/Scrambler

The Matchup

This fight is a classic clash of styles. Asakura will look to keep the fight standing, using his reach, speed, and sharp striking to pick apart Elliott from the outside. His kicks and combinations come fast, and his killer instinct is among the best in the division. Elliott, meanwhile, thrives on chaos. He’ll aim to pressure, clinch, scramble, and grind his opponent down with constant movement and relentless takedown attempts. If he can close the distance and avoid eating big shots early, he could make this fight uncomfortable for Asakura. The X-factor here will be Asakura’s takedown defense and ability to stay composed under Elliott’s pressure. If he’s improved that area since the Pantoja fight, he should have the tools to take over.

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Prediction

This feels like a breakout fight for Kai Asakura. With his debut jitters behind him and a matchup that suits his style, he should be able to find openings and capitalize on Elliott’s defensive lapses. While Elliott will make things competitive early, expect Asakura’s precision and power to eventually break through. A well-timed knee or counter strike could be the difference-maker as Elliott presses forward recklessly.

Prediction: Kai Asakura wins via 2nd Round TKO