Atomweight prospect Kanna Asakura scored a huge victory in her third pro MMA fight tonight at Vale Tudo Japan 7th in Urayasu, Chiba, Japan. The unbeaten 17-year-old upset former Valkyrie champion and Invicta FC title challenger Yasuko “Ikuko” Tamada in a one-sided matchup on the card.

Asakura has quickly risen to become one of Japan’s most highly-touted female prospects thanks to her three straight wins under the VTJ banner. Tonight’s Unanimous Decision win over 28-fight veteran Tamada vaults the talented teen fighter into the top ten in the competitive atomweight division.

Asakura (3-0-0) countered early punching combinations from Tamada (15-10-3) by clinching in search of a takedown, but Tamada countered with a guillotine choke attempt. Asakura avoided danger and looked to pass to half-guard. Tamada defended well on the ground and worked for another guillotine before standing up. Asakura put her back down and finished the round strong with hammerfists from the top.

It was more of the same early in round two and Asakura once again countered Tamada’s one-twos by initiating a clinch. She took Tamada down and a scramble ensued, with Asakura ultimately winding up on top in Tamada’s guard. Tamada stayed active and hunted for a heel hook, but Asakura mounted her and she dropped a series of punches before the bell.

Already well ahead on the scorecards, Asakura began round three by landing body kicks and she took Tamada down once more. Tamada immediately stood up, but Asakura scored another takedown and she used it to keep Tamada pinned down throughout the round. Asakura racked up points with the judges by landing numerous punches from Tamada’s guard until time expired.

Judge Okabe saw the fight 30-26, while judges Isono and Tominaga both had it 30-27. All three scored it for the winner, Asakura, who walked away with a Unanimous Decision victory in what was clearly her best performance to date against the seventh-ranked Tamada. She has won back-to-back fights this year since making her professional debut at age 16 this past October.

Winner: Kanna Asakura by Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27) after three 3:00 rounds. She improves to 3-0-0.

(Photo Credit: Vale Tudo Japan)