Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Asakura to Retain Flyweight Title at UFC 310 – Alexandre Pantoja ends UFC’s 2024 schedule with a dominant win, submitting Kai Asakura in round 2 to defend his flyweight title at UFC 310.
Alexandre Pantoja Dominates Kai Asakura, Retains Flyweight Title at UFC 310
In a thrilling conclusion to the UFC’s 2024 calendar, flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja delivered a masterclass performance at UFC 310, successfully defending his title against Kai Asakura. Pantoja secured a second-round victory via rear-naked choke, showcasing his superiority in both grappling and striking throughout the bout.
Fight Recap
The highly anticipated main event saw Pantoja take control early, landing powerful strikes and executing precise takedowns. Despite Asakura’s attempts to mount a defense, including brief moments where he thwarted Pantoja’s ground game, the champion’s relentless pressure proved overwhelming.
The fight ended decisively in the second round when Pantoja capitalized on a dominant position to lock in a rear-naked choke, forcing Asakura to tap out.
Key Fight Details
- Winner: Alexandre Pantoja (via rear-naked choke, round 2)
- Loser: Kai Asakura
- Significance:
- Pantoja achieved his third successful title defense, extending his winning streak to six fights.
- Asakura, a former two-time Rizin bantamweight champion, made his UFC debut in this bout, marking a tough introduction to the promotion.
- Fight Highlights:
- Pantoja’s early dominance with precise striking and effective takedowns.
- Asakura’s resilience in the first round, briefly disrupting Pantoja’s ground game.
- The champion’s calculated setup leading to the fight-ending submission.
Notable Undercard Moments
The event also featured a standout welterweight bout between Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry. Rakhmonov secured a unanimous decision victory, further solidifying his position as a top contender in the division.
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Event Changes and Context
UFC 310’s main event was initially set to feature a welterweight title bout with Belal Muhammad. However, Muhammad had to withdraw due to a bone infection, paving the way for Pantoja and Asakura to headline the event.
A Champion’s Legacy
Pantoja’s dominant performance not only reinforced his reign as flyweight champion but also capped an eventful year for the UFC. With a six-fight winning streak and three title defenses under his belt, Pantoja has firmly established himself as one of the sport’s elite fighters.
As the UFC looks ahead to 2025, fans eagerly anticipate what’s next for the flyweight king and the challengers vying for a shot at his crown.
