Tim Elliot vs. Kai Asakura Prediction, Betting Pick, Latest UFC 319 Odds
Tim Elliot and Kai Asakura will get the main card started off on Saturday night in the United Center. Can Asakura avoid the upset and pick up another flyweight win? Peter Alexis takes a look at this Tim Elliot vs. Kai Asakura UFC 319 battle for August 16th in Chicago.
Peter Alexis - August 16, 2025, 4:30 PM EDT
5 Minute ReadTim Elliot vs. Kai Asakura Prediction, Betting Pick, Latest UFC 319 Odds
Tonight's UFC 319 card in Chicago marks the much‑anticipated return of the organization to the city since 2019, and flyweights Tim Elliott and Kai Asakura are kicking off the main card with a stylistically intriguing matchup. Elliott has a long-standing reputation in the flyweight division, while Asakura offers explosive finishing potential. This bout has fans curious to see whether veteran savvy can neutralize youthful aggression.
Tim Elliott (age 38, around a 21‑13‑1 record) is an extremely seasoned UFC fixture who won The Ultimate Fighter and even challenged for the flyweight title. His recent competition includes a win over Su Mudaerji by arm‑triangle choke in December 2023, and while his recent record sits around 7‑6 over his last 13 fights, his relentless pace and grappling craft remain his calling card.
Kai Asakura (age 31, with a 21‑5 career record) enters the UFC after a standout run in Rizin, where he was a former bantamweight champion known for highlight KO finishes. In his UFC debut, he challenged for the flyweight title but was submitted by Alexandre Pantoja in the second round. Still, he showed early flashes of dangerous striking and power that made him a betting favorite heading into this bout. Let's take a look at the full Tim Elliot vs. Kai Asakura odds for UFC 319 on Saturday night.
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Tim Elliot vs. Kai Asakura Odds
- Moneyline: Tim Elliot (+245), Kai Asakura (-300)
Tim Elliot vs. Kai Asakura Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
- Time: 10:00 PM ET (Main Card Start)
- Where to Watch: ESPN, ESPN+
Click here for complete Elliot vs. Asakura odds
Tim Elliot vs. Kai Asakura Prediction
When it comes to pure striking ability, Kai Asakura holds a significant edge. The former RIZIN bantamweight champion is a violent, explosive striker with a deep arsenal: sharp counters, quick knees, and the ability to end fights in sudden bursts. Thirteen of his 21 career wins have come by knockout, and even in his UFC debut loss to Pantoja, he showcased early flashes of danger before being caught in a scramble. On the other side of the cage, Tim Elliott’s striking is awkward and unorthodox, more functional than flashy. He throws in volume and mixes angles well but lacks finishing power, with just three career knockouts. He uses his standup primarily to create transitions into wrestling, where he’s far more dangerous.
The grappling dynamic is where things get interesting. Elliott is a high-volume, chain-wrestling grinder who thrives in chaos. His submission win over Su Mudaerji last December reminded everyone that his ground game remains sharp and threatening. If he can close the distance, get underhooks, and drag Asakura down early, this fight could look very different from how the odds suggest. However, that task won't come easy. Asakura’s takedown defense is solid but largely untested at this level of opposition. Against a wrestler like Elliott, who has been in the cage with the best of the division for over a decade, it will be a real test of his defensive grappling and cardio under pressure.
Ultimately, this fight will likely come down to whether Asakura can keep the fight standing. If he does, his speed, timing, and finishing instincts could overwhelm Elliott, especially as the veteran slows in the later exchanges. Elliott’s best path to victory lies in dragging Asakura into deep water, slowing the pace, and threatening with positional control and submissions. However, given the age gap, athletic disparity, and Asakura’s kill-shot power, the prediction here is Kai Asakura by KO or TKO, most likely in the second round. The best betting angle is to take Asakura via KO/TKO at around +155, or alternatively play the fight not to go the distance, which is hovering around -105. Elliott’s durability and toughness make him a live underdog, but Asakura’s explosiveness should prove to be the difference tonight in Chicago.
Tim Elliot vs. Kai Asakura Pick
- Pick: Kai Asakura by KO/TKO (+165) Click here for complete Elliot vs. Asakura UFC odds
MMA ODDS & PICKS
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