Lightweight contender Mikuru Asakura showed off his slick stand-up prowess as he struck his way to a unanimous decision victory over Yusuke Yachi in the main event of Rizin FF 17 in the Saitama Super Arena on Sunday. Asakura (11-1 MMA, 5-0 Rizin) started the better of the pair and swept Yachi (20-9 MMA, 5-3 Rizin) to the floor with his first kick of the contest before both men settled into their work. And as the bout progressed it quickly became apparent that Asakura held a significant striking advantage as the 27-year-old used his slick hands and smart footwork to keep Yachi chasing shadows for much of the contest. There was a touch of controversy at the end of the second round when referee Jason Herzog opted not to punish Asakura for repeated rope grabs to prevent being taken to the canvas.