The world of mixed martial arts is no stranger to unexpected moments, but what happened at UFC 310’s weigh-ins took everyone by surprise. Joe Rogan found himself in an awkward situation when a Japanese fighter, Kai Asakura, needed translation – and no translator was available.
Asakura, making his UFC debut, is set to fight for the flyweight championship. During the pre-fight interview, he discovered the UFC had overlooked a crucial detail: no Japanese translator was present. This oversight became a comedic moment that quickly went viral when Rogan asked Asakura about his thoughts on the upcoming fight. Instead of letting the moment turn uncomfortable, Rogan stepped up with a touch of humor.
“That’s hilarious! I’ll translate for you. You’re gonna kick some a** You’re awesome.”
There was no Japanese translator for Kai Asakura so Joe Rogan tried answering the question for him 😭
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 7, 2024
“I’ll translate for you – you’re gonna kick some ass, you’re awesome.” 😂
🎥 @ufc #UFC #MMA #UFC310pic.twitter.com/GVgVEwE24V
Kai Asakura, showing remarkable spirit, took the microphone and delivered a passionate message in broken English: “Tomorrow, I will put on a show. I’ll become UFC champion. I will change flyweight division! Come on, baby!” His enthusiasm was clear, even if his words weren’t perfectly eloquent.
Despite the linguistic mix-up, Kai Asakura won respect from fans for his confidence and determination. His ability to communicate his passion, even with limited English, showed the universal language of athletic ambition.
Kai Asakura Reveals His Entry Into MMA
Some fighters are born in gyms, but Asakura was forged on the unforgiving streets of Japan. His path to professional mixed martial arts began with an unlikely training partner – his own brother. He was a street-fighting legend who saw potential through intense, almost ruthless challenges.
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Growing up, Asakura’s older brother was a neighborhood legend known for beating every potential challenger. When local opponents ran dry, he turned his aggressive attention to the youngest family member – Kai himself. What followed wasn’t just training; it was survival.
“My older brother was fighting in the street every day. He beat everyone, and there was no one left to fight. So, one day, my older brother called me into the street at night. Suddenly he gave me some boxing gloves to wear. He was really trying to kill me with each strike,” said Asakura via The UFC 310 Countdown Episode.
Kai Asakura’s first ever fight was a street fight against his own brother
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 1, 2024
“One day, my older brother called me out into the street… He was really trying to kill me with each strike.”
🎥 @ufc #UFC #MMA #UFC310pic.twitter.com/YylCZad2im
Instead of breaking under pressure, Asakura discovered something remarkable about himself. He dodged every punishing strike, displaying a natural agility that would later define his fighting career. Where many would have been traumatized, he found inspiration.
Also Read: Kai Asakura Joins EA UFC 5 Roster Ahead Of Debut Fight Against Alexandre Pantoja
