UFC 310: Pantoja Seeks to Cement Legacy Against UFC Debutant Asakura
UFC 310 might not have the star power of recent Jon Jones-headlined events, but the card offers a compelling mix of intriguing matchups and storylines to close out 2024.
A New Flyweight King?
The main event pits reigning flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja against Kai Asakura, a Rizin Fighting Federation champion making his highly anticipated UFC debut.
Pantoja (28-5) is riding high after a dominant year. The 34-year-old has cemented his status as a top flyweight with three consecutive wins, including a split decision over Brandon Moreno at UFC 290 and two one-sided unanimous decision victories. As he gears up for his second pay-per-view headliner this year aliments,
Pantoja recognizes the significance of the moment. “That’s a gift God gave to me,” he said. “That’s an opportunity to come here and make this main event. I think 2024 was a very good year for flyweights, maybe the best year.”
Asakura (21-4) aims to make an immediate impact. The 31-year-old Japanese star comes to the UFC after finding success in Rizin, where he reigned as the bantamweight champion. Stepping into the Octagon against a proven champion in Pantoja will be a monumental challenge, but Asakura is embracing the opportunity.
“The UFC fans have never seen anybody fight like me ever before,” Asakura said through an interpreter. “I always aim to go for a KO finish. I’m an exciting fighter and I’m here to bring excitement back to the flyweight division.”
Asakura believes his exciting style and championship pedigree make perfect sense for his first UFC opponent. “I looked at my rank and tried to figure out who’s going to be my next opponent,” Pantoja said. “Then the UFC contacted Asakura. I think that’s a very good move. That’s the power about UFC, to bring a champ from another promotion. If you want to be the best fighter in the world — that’s what he thinks — you need to win the UFC belt.”
Pantoja is a 2-5 favorite at BetMGM Sportsbook, highlighting the challenge Asakura faces in his demanding debut.
Stacked Card Keeps Entertainment High
The card is jam-packed with other intriguing matchups. Former heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane clashes with Alexander Volkov in a heavyweight showdown. Bantamweight Aljamain Sterling moves to featherweight for a bout against Movsar Evloev. One-time middleweight champion Chris Weidman returns to the Octagon to battle Eryk Anders, potentially marking the start of his comeback after a gruesome leg injury in 2021.
In addition, Ian Machado Garry will face Shavkat Rakhmonov in the co-main event after the welterweight title fight between champion Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov was canceled due to a foot infection for Muhammad.
These storylines, along with others scattered throughout the undercard, make UFC 310 a must-watch event for MMA fans looking for unforeseen excitement to end the yeartting.
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What are the keys to victory for Alexandre Pantoja against Kai Asakura?
## Interview: Pantoja vs. Asakura at UFC 310
**Good evening, and welcome back. With us tonight is MMA analyst, Alex Reed, to discuss this weekend’s exciting UFC 310 card, headlined by Alexandre Pantoja defending his Flyweight title against Rizin champion Kai Asakura.**
**Alex Reed, thank you for joining us. Let’s dive right in. Pantoja has been on a tear this year, showcasing some dominant performances. How do you see him matching up against a dangerous debutant like Asakura?**
*[Alex Reed Name’s Response]*
**Asakura is coming off a successful run in Rizin, but this is his first taste of the UFC. How do you think the transition to the Octagon will affect him, especially against a caliber fighter like the champion?**
*[Alex Reed Name’s Response]*
**Pantoja himself acknowledges 2024 has been a great year for the Flyweight division. Do you see this fight as a pivotal moment in solidifying his legacy as a champion, regardless of the outcome?**
*[Alex Reed Name’s Response]*
**The UFC 310 card promises some exciting matchups besides the main event. Is there anything else on the undercard that you are particularly looking forward to?**
*[Alex Reed Name’s Response]*
**Great insights, Alex Reed. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us. We’ll all be watching closely this weekend. Make sure you tune in for UFC 310 live on ESPN on December 7th, where we’ll witness Pantoja attempt to cement his legacy against the UFC newcomer, Asakura.**
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