UFC 310: Pantoja vs. Asakura and the Mystery of the Flyweight Division
The UFC 310 main event is shaping up to be a fascinating mystery, one that feels more like a “who-is-it” than a “whodunit.” This Saturday, fans will witness a clash between a low-profile champion and a challenger who is a complete enigma to many in the United States. Alexandre Pantoja, the reigning men’s flyweight champion, will defend his title against Kai Asakura, a fighter making his UFC debut. It’s a bold move by the UFC, leaning into the unknown to build suspense for this Las Vegas showdown (ESPN+ PPV, 10 p.m. ET).
For Pantoja, this fight might feel like déjà vu. Back in May at UFC 301, he defended his title against Steve Erceg, an unranked challenger who had barely cracked the UFC’s top 10. That fight was a nail-biter, with Pantoja eking out a unanimous but highly competitive decision. Now, he faces Asakura, a fighter who may be new to the UFC but is far from a rookie in the fight game. The 31-year-old Japanese fighter is a two-time former Rizin bantamweight champion with notable wins over Kyoji Horiguchi, Manel Kape, and Juan Archuleta. Asakura has been competing professionally for 12 years, though this will be his first fight on U.S. soil.
Meanwhile, Pantoja, a 34-year-old Brazilian, has been quietly bringing stability to a flyweight division that hasn’t seen much of it since the days of Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson. Of course, Pantoja’s reign is nowhere near Johnson’s legendary run, which lasted 2,142 days and included a record 11 consecutive title defenses. Pantoja, by comparison, will be going for just his third defense this weekend. Still, if he succeeds, he’ll join Alex Pereira and Islam Makhachev as the only current UFC champions with more than two title defenses. That’s elite company, even if Pantoja doesn’t yet have the star power of those names.
In fact, Pantoja has climbed into the ESPN pound-for-pound top 5, a testament to his growing credibility as a champion. Unlike his predecessors Brandon Moreno and Deiveson Figueiredo, who traded the flyweight belt back and forth between 2020 and 2023, Pantoja has brought a sense of permanence to the division. He broke the cycle of rematches with a win over Moreno in July 2023 and has held onto the title ever since.
So, the big question is: Will Pantoja finally step out of the shadows and shine in the main event spotlight? Or will Asakura make an unforgettable first impression? That’s the marquee storyline at UFC 310, but the card is stacked with other intriguing matchups that could steal the show. Let’s dive into five reasons why this event is a must-watch.
1. Unbeaten vs. Unbeaten: Rakhmonov vs. Garry
The co-main event might just be the real headliner. Shavkat Rakhmonov (18-0) and Ian Machado Garry (15-0) are putting their perfect records on the line in a welterweight clash that promises fireworks. Rakhmonov, ESPN’s No. 3-ranked welterweight, was originally slated to challenge Belal Muhammad for the title. However, Muhammad suffered a training injury, and rather than wait, Rakhmonov chose to face Garry, the No. 6-ranked contender. With 18 finishes in 18 fights, Rakhmonov is seen as a champion-in-waiting, but Garry is no slouch. This is a rare matchup of two elite fighters who have never tasted defeat, and it’s a bold move for both men.
2. A Fresh Face in the Flyweight Division
Some might criticize the UFC for giving a title shot to a debuting fighter, but Asakura’s resume speaks for itself. With no clear No. 1 contender in the flyweight division, the UFC decided to think outside the box. Asakura’s arrival injects fresh intrigue into a division that had grown stale with endless rematches. This fight is a gamble, but it’s one that could pay off in a big way if Asakura delivers.
3. Sterling’s Featherweight Test
Former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling is moving up to 145 pounds to face undefeated Movsar Evloev (18-0). Evloev is a wrestling machine, having landed multiple takedowns in nearly all of his UFC fights. Sterling, known for his grappling prowess, will have his skills put to the test. While Evloev’s fights often go to decision, Sterling has shown he can finish top-tier opponents like TJ Dillashaw and Cory Sandhagen. This fight could be a technical masterpiece or a grind-it-out affair, but either way, it’s worth watching.
4. Heavyweight Redemption
Ciryl Gane is looking to rebuild his reputation after a disappointing loss to Jon Jones last year. He’ll face Alexander Volkov in a heavyweight bout that could determine the next big contender. Gane’s last fight, a TKO win over Serghei Spivac, showed flashes of his potential, but he’s been sidelined for over a year. With the heavyweight division in limbo, this fight is more about staying relevant than making a leap forward.
5. Grappler’s Delight
Bryce Mitchell and Kron Gracie are set to clash in a featherweight bout that could either be a grappling clinic or a snooze fest. Gracie, a member of MMA’s first family, has been criticized for his outdated style, while Mitchell is a rising star in the grappling world. If this fight stays on the ground, it could be a treat for jiu-jitsu fans. If it turns into a striking match, well, it might be time to grab a snack.
UFC 310 is shaping up to be a night of high-stakes drama, with plenty of questions waiting to be answered. Will Pantoja solidify his reign? Can Rakhmonov and Garry keep their perfect records intact? And will the flyweight division finally get the fresh start it needs? Tune in Saturday to find out.
Originally Written by: Jeff Wagenheim
