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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Nolan King and Ken Hathaway

Alexandre Pantoja recalls moment Kai Asakura earned his respect, before he knew the name

LAS VEGAS – Alexandre Pantoja remembers hearing the name Kai Askaura for the first time.

It was 2019, and Pantoja (28-5 MMA, 12-3 UFC) suddenly was interested to learn more. Asakura (21-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC) had just knocked out Kyoji Horiguchi, a teammate Pantoja holds in the highest regard.

“I got more attention about him, ‘Who is this guy, who can beat Kyoji because Kyoji is so good?’ I realized I have a very good fighter to fight,” Pantoja told MMA Junkie and other reporters Wednesday.

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