At UFC 310 this weekend, Kai Asakura has the opportunity to create history by winning the UFC flyweight title in his very first fight with the promotion. Earlier this year, the UFC made waves by signing RIZIN bantamweight champion Asakura, who will compete in the flyweight division. Fans immediately began speculating about a potential showdown between Asakura and current flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja. The UFC soon confirmed the matchup for UFC 310, and now Asakura, at 31, has a chance to make a remarkable debut.
Should Asakura defeat Pantoja, he would become the first fighter to ever win a UFC title in their debut. In addition, he could also make history as the first Japanese UFC champion. If he achieves this, Asakura will join the ranks of UFC legends, cementing his place in the sport’s history.
As we look ahead to Asakura’s potential milestone, let’s reflect on the five most memorable UFC debuts of all time, featuring legends like Conor McGregor, Ronda Rousey, and others.
5. Alex Pereira’s Spectacular Flying Knee KO of Andreas Michailidis
Alex Pereira’s UFC debut in 2021 made an unforgettable impression. Known for his long-standing rivalry with Israel Adesanya, Pereira entered the octagon with high expectations. The Brazilian didn’t disappoint, delivering a jaw-dropping flying knee that knocked out Andreas Michailidis in spectacular fashion. That KO set the tone for Pereira’s UFC journey, which would eventually lead him to become one of the promotion’s biggest stars.
4. Alistair Overeem Shocks Brock Lesnar with First-Round Finish
When Alistair Overeem made his UFC debut against Brock Lesnar at UFC 141, the stakes were high. Lesnar, coming off a loss of his heavyweight title, was looking to get back on track, while Overeem was making his first appearance in the UFC after dominating in Strikeforce and K1 Kickboxing. Overeem shocked the MMA world by finishing Lesnar in the first round with a brutal body kick and follow-up punches. The upset put Overeem firmly on the map in the UFC’s heavyweight division.
3. Anderson Silva’s Flawless Knockout of Chris Leben
Anderson Silva’s debut in 2006 is still considered one of the most impressive in UFC history. Silva entered the promotion as a relative unknown but quickly made his mark by taking on the undefeated Chris Leben. The Brazilian put on a striking clinic, finishing Leben with a devastating knee in the first round. The knockout wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. Silva would go on to dominate the middleweight division and establish himself as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history.
2. Ronda Rousey Makes History with UFC Bantamweight Title Win
Ronda Rousey’s 2012 UFC debut remains one of the most significant moments in MMA history. After becoming the Strikeforce bantamweight champion, Rousey transitioned to the UFC as part of the promotion’s expansion of women’s MMA. She was booked to fight Liz Carmouche at UFC 157 and made an immediate impact by submitting Carmouche in the first round. With this win, Rousey became the first female UFC champion, forever changing the landscape of women’s sports and solidifying her place as a trailblazer in the UFC.
1. Conor McGregor’s Explosive Knockout of Marcus Brimage
Conor McGregor’s debut at UFC on FUEL TV 9 in 2013 is arguably the most electrifying in UFC history. After becoming a dual champion in Cage Warriors, McGregor entered the UFC with a reputation for his trash talk and larger-than-life personality. The anticipation for his first fight was sky-high, and McGregor delivered a performance for the ages. He knocked out Marcus Brimage in the first round with a perfectly timed left hook. That win was the beginning of McGregor’s rise to superstardom, eventually making him one of the most famous and influential athletes in combat sports history.
In conclusion, these five UFC debuts stand out not only for their impressive victories but also for the impact these fighters had on the sport. As Kai Asakura aims to make his own historic debut at UFC 310, he will join an illustrious group of fighters who have etched their names into UFC history with unforgettable performances.
