UFC 310 is set to electrify the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on December 7, 2024. While this event was initially slated to feature Belal Muhammad defending his welterweight title against Shavkat Rakhmonov, Muhammad’s withdrawal due to injury has shifted the spotlight to the flyweight division. The main event now showcases the UFC Flyweight Champion, Alexandre Pantoja, defending his title against the debuting Japanese sensation, Kai Asakura.
Main Event: Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Asakura
- Alexandre Pantoja
- Record: 28-5
- Recent Performance: Pantoja has been on an impressive run, securing the flyweight title with a split decision over Brandon Moreno in July 2023. Since then, he’s defended his belt twice, showcasing his all-around fighting skills, particularly his ground game and striking precision.
- Fighting Style: Pantoja is known for his relentless pace, exceptional grappling, and a knack for finishing fights. His ability to control opponents on the ground is one of his strongest attributes, alongside his durability and cardio.
- Kai Asakura
- Record: 21-4
- Background: Before stepping into the UFC octagon, Asakura was a two-time Rizin bantamweight champion, known for his explosive knockouts and technical striking. His transition to flyweight for this bout adds an intriguing element to his challenge for the UFC title.
- Fighting Style: Asakura brings a striking-heavy approach, with a significant portion of his wins coming by knockout. His speed and power have made him a feared fighter in Japan, but his grappling might be tested by Pantoja’s expertise.
Analysis and Prediction:
- Strengths and Weaknesses:
- Pantoja’s advantage lies in his seasoned experience in the UFC, his championship-level grappling, and his ability to adapt during fights. However, his striking, while effective, might not match Asakura’s raw power and speed.
- Asakura brings an uncharted level of excitement with his striking, which could pose a threat if he keeps the fight standing. On the flip side, his grappling defense will be under scrutiny, potentially his Achilles’ heel against a fighter like Pantoja.
- Fight Dynamics:
- If Asakura can utilize his speed to land significant strikes and avoid the ground game, he has a chance to upset Pantoja. His debut in the UFC under the bright lights of a title fight adds motivation but also pressure.
- Pantoja, however, is likely to push for takedowns, looking to neutralize Asakura’s striking advantage. His experience in high-pressure situations and title bouts gives him the edge in managing the fight’s pace and strategy.
Prediction:
- Winner: Alexandre Pantoja. Given his familiarity with the UFC environment, his championship experience, and his superior grappling, Pantoja is expected to retain his title. He’ll likely control the fight by taking it to the ground, where he can wear Asakura down or look for a submission. However, if Asakura manages to keep the fight on the feet and land clean, he could make it a very competitive bout or even pull off an upset.
Co-Main Event: Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Ian Machado Garry
- Shavkat Rakhmonov
- Record: 18-0
- Notable Wins: Rakhmonov has been unstoppable with finishes in all his UFC fights, showcasing his lethal combination of striking and grappling. His last fight was a submission win over Stephen Thompson.
- Style: Known for his composure and versatility, Rakhmonov can end a fight in multiple ways, making him a constant threat for 25 minutes.
- Ian Machado Garry
- Record: 15-0
- Emerging Talent: Garry has quickly climbed the ranks with his striking prowess and has shown improvements in his grappling. His recent victory over Michael “Venom” Page highlighted his potential.
- Style: Garry’s style is aggressive yet calculated, with a focus on technical striking, though his grappling against a top-tier opponent like Rakhmonov will be a significant test.
Analysis and Prediction:
- Strengths and Weaknesses:
- Rakhmonov is the complete package with no apparent holes in his game, which is rare. His ability to finish fights in various ways makes him a dangerous opponent.
- Garry has shown he can handle high-level competition with his striking, but his grappling, particularly against Rakhmonov’s caliber, remains his potential downfall.
- Fight Dynamics:
- Garry needs to keep this fight standing to have a chance at winning. His speed and striking could pose problems for Rakhmonov, but any takedown could spell trouble for the Irish fighter.
- Rakhmonov will aim to mix things up, using his striking to set up his takedowns, where he can dominate with ground-and-pound or look for submissions.
Prediction:
- Winner: Shavkat Rakhmonov. His well-rounded skill set, particularly his grappling, gives him a clear advantage. If Garry can keep it a striking match, he might have moments, but Rakhmonov’s ability to adapt and finish fights in any round will likely lead to a victory, potentially by submission.
Other Notable Fights:
- Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov (Heavyweight): A rematch from 2021 where Gane took the win by decision. Gane’s agility and striking could again be key, but Volkov’s improvements might make for a closer fight.
- Movsar Evloev vs. Aljamain Sterling (Featherweight): This could be a tactical bout with both fighters having strong grappling backgrounds. Sterling’s experience might edge out Evloev’s undefeated record.
UFC 310 promises to end the year with high-octane action, showcasing elite fighters in potentially career-defining moments. Whether it’s Pantoja’s championship defense or the clash of undefeated prospects in Rakhmonov and Garry, fans are in for a treat.
