Alexandre Pantoja, the UFC flyweight champion vs the newcomer Kai Asakura made a spectacular performance in the UFC 310.
There were some great fireworks with the final PPV delivered, featuring 14 fights on Saturday in Las Vegas. Nine of them ended through stoppage, including the main event between Pantoja and the debutant; the former scoring a submission and retaining his crown. The action was delivered on a high note, which led to the highest stakes and unforgettable movements for UFC fans.
Main Event Recap: Pantoja Retains Flyweight Title
During the main event, Pantoja required only seven minutes to choke out Asakura, using a rear-naked choke and continuing the popular snake-bitten streak of Japan during the UFC titles. Later, the GOAT of UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson was called out by Pantoja for the 2025 showdown.
This was Pantoja’s third title defence against the newcomer, a fight which featured the classic grappler versus striker dynamism and highlighted both Asakura’s dynamic striking and Pantoja’s relentless grappling. The former RIZIN bantamweight champ Asakura was comparatively inexperienced, which added more excitement to the fight.
Asakura survived his opponents grappling after a few takedowns and sprung back to his position within his comfort zone. But Pantoja continued his action and jumped on Asakura’s back, sinking the tight rear-naked choke.
The fight seemed to be settling but Asakura managed to fight his opponent for a few more seconds, finally tapping out due to mounting pressure.
With this win, Pantoja became the 2nd flyweight champion in history, defending the title three times consecutively or even more, after the “mighty mouse” Demetrious Johnson.
To get more updates on the upcoming fights, keep a check on popular UFC betting sites available online.
Key Highlights from the UFC 310 Fight Card
- Co-Main Event:
The dramatic co-main event had the welterweight terror Shavkat Rakhmonov, surviving one of the toughest tests of his career in MMA and reaching the judges verdict for the very first time, but still coming away victorious, defending Ian Machado Garry. Rakhmonov is currently moving to the new year with the title shot blooming against Belal Mohammad, the UFC welterweight champ.
- Heavyweight Clash:
The top heavyweight contender, Ciryl Gane edged Alexander Volkov in the most controversial split decision. The renewed acquaintances paired together for the second time to perform a thoroughly exciting back-and-forth battle.
Other fights included Bryce Mitchell defeating Kron Gracie by KO (elbow) during round 3 of which Bryce made the most successful return to the Octagon, outperforming Kron, and getting back into the win column.
Dooho Choi also defeated Nate Landwehr by TKO (strikes) during round 3. Choi won over Bill Algeo this summer and made the most of the UFC 310 main card opener, turning his dominant effort against Nate Landwehr.
Dominick Reyes defeated Anthony Smith by TK (strikes) in round 2, making this his second win of the year, and securing a midway stoppage through the second round.
Overall, the final event of 2024, that recorded an attendance of over 18,000 and the gate collection of more than $5 million, witnessed the most incredible nine of the 14 fights in stoppages on the blockbuster card. 5 stoppages out of nine, including the main event, landed up with either a knockout (KO) or a technical knockout (TKO) while four others ended in submission. Four fighters took home fight of the night $50,000 worth bonuses.
