The answer to the question, “How many people have fought for a UFC title in their promotional debut?” is not as straightforward as it may seem.
Former RIZIN FF champion Kai Asakura has created intrigue into the topic as he readies for a chance to challenge Alexandre Pantoja for the UFC flyweight title in his first octagon appearance Saturday at UFC 310, which takes place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN2, Hulu, ESPN+).
By the broadest of definitions, Asakura will be the 24th fighter to make a UFC debut in a championship setting. However, not all title-fight debuts are structured under the same degree of integrity.
