Juan Archuleta is confident in facing Kai Asakura, especially after the latter withdrew in the first bout they were supposed to have. As “The Spaniard” noted, the opponent “ran scared last time,” adding he’ll prove in their RIZIN 45 bout this weekend in Japan that he’s “the best bantamweight in the world” by defeating Asakura this time.
The two will meet on Sunday at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, with Archuleta defending his title against the Japanese rival. The American feels confident about his skills, saying it is a match he’s been waiting for.
“I’m here to retain my title,” Archuleta said during the pre-fight press conference of the event. “I’m here to defeat Kai Asakura and continue to be a great champion. I’m going to continue to give my best performance that you guys truly deserve. This is going to be a battle that’s going to be unprecedented. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity with Kai for a very long time. I believe he’s a great fighter, but I’m just that much better, and I’m going to show fight night that I’m the best bantamweight in the world.”
Adding to the champ’s confidence is Asakura’s withdrawal in the first match they were supposed to have. To recall, the two had the chance to fight in July at Bellator MMA x Rizin 2, but Asakura had to back out due to an injury. After defeating Hiromasa Ougikubo, who replaced Asakura in the said bout, the champ will get another chance to face him.
“I’m in the best shape of my life, and you don’t have to worry about that because there’s no one running scared,” Archuleta said during the pre-fight press conference of the event. “There’s only one person that’s running scared. That’s you.
“This is for you guys. This event and this signing of the contracts, this brings excitement. This brings what you guys deserve, what he left behind last time for you guys, and now Rizin, Sakikibara, everyone in the staff made this happen, because he ran scared last time.”
