Pantoja defends flyweight title against Asakura at UFC 310
- Alexandre Pantoja successfully defended his flyweight title against Kai Asakura at UFC 310.
- The fight ended with a second-round submission, resulting in Asakura's unconsciousness.
- Pantoja's victory reinvigorates his dominance in the flyweight division and adds to his title defense record.
In Las Vegas, Nevada, the UFC 310 event took place on December 7, 2024, featuring a highly anticipated flyweight title match between Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Asakura. Pantoja, the reigning champion, successfully defended his title against Asakura, a former bantamweight champion from Japan making his UFC debut. The fight took place at the T-Mobile Arena and was part of a stacked card that included various matchups across different weight classes. During the contest, Pantoja showcased his grappling prowess, taking down Asakura and securing a rear-naked choke in the second round. The submission forced Asakura to lose consciousness, marking a significant moment in Pantoja's career as he extended his title defenses to three since winning the championship. Pantoja's victory solidified his status as one of the top fighters in the flyweight division. The event also featured a co-main event clash between Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry, where Rakhmonov retained his position as the number one contender in the welterweight category after a close decision victory. The fight was notable for Rakhmonov's claims of prior successes against Garry during their training sessions, adding intrigue to the matchup. Overall, UFC 310 was significant not only for Pantoja's title defense but also for the entertainment and competitiveness displayed throughout the card. Fans and analysts alike were pleased with the high level of performance from the fighters, particularly in the main and co-main events, which could shape the future of their respective divisions in the UFC.