After watching Kai Asakura fight Alexandre Pantoja for UFC gold, another flyweight has been inspired to compete in the promotion, claiming he can ‘carry on the will’ of Conor McGregor.
The gifted striker is extremely confident in his skill set.
Ren Hiramoto claims he can emulate Conor McGregor
Last night, Kai Asakura took on a monumental task, challenging Alexandre Pantoja for flyweight gold at UFC 310.
In front of a raucous crowd at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, the Japanese sensation tried his best, before ultimately succumbing to a second-round submission.
While his effort didn’t end in a victory, the mere fact that he left Rizin to fight for the belt in his very first match-up in the organization, has captured the attention of one of his countrymen.
Ren Hiramoto, has proven his striking prowess beyond doubt, winning the symbolic Rizin ‘Last Man Standing’ title and finishing as runner-up in the 2017 K-1 lightweight tournament.
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The 26-year-old has trained extensively with ‘The Notorious’ and believes he can reach the same dazzling heights as the Irishman.
He tweeted: “Hey Dana White, I am the man who will carry on the will of the great Conor McGregor. I’m going to be UFC champion. Kai Asakura, for example, is a champion who can only fight three rounds. I am the first Rizin champion to fight five rounds. I’m going to make the UFC great! @danawhite.”
He later added: “Next Conor McGregor.”
Rico Verhoeven overcomes knockdown in crazy Glory main event to potentially secure Francis Ngannou fight
Hiramoto wasn’t the only kickboxer to make a massive statement last night, with Rico Verhoeven picking up yet another victory at Glory: Collision 7, against Levi Rigters.
In front of his adoring people at the Gelredome in Arnhem, Netherlands, ‘The Prince of Kickboxing’ climbed off the canvas, scored a knockdown himself, and walked away with his world title still firmly around his waist.
And following the match-up he talked all things Francis Ngannou, addressing whether the win means he’ll finally get his shot at ‘The Predator’.
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