The UFC has announced that Kai Asakura, a former two-time RIZIN bantamweight champion, will face reigning flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja in the main event of UFC 310 on December 7, 2024, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Asakura, a 31-year-old Japanese phenom, enters the UFC with a professional record of 21-4, including 13 knockouts. Notably, he holds victories over UFC flyweight contender Manel Kape and former title challenger Kyoji Horiguchi.
Asakura last competed in December 2023, reclaiming the RIZIN bantamweight title with a second-round finish of Juan Archuleta before vacating the belt to join the UFC.
Meanwhile, Alexandre Pantoja continues to reign as one of the most dangerous flyweights in UFC history. He captured the belt with a split-decision victory over Brandon Moreno at UFC 290 and has since defended it twice.
Pantoja, known for his elite submission skills, ranks third in flyweight history for wins, behind Demetrious Johnson and Joseph Benavidez.
Why Asakura?
UFC CEO Dana White defended the decision to grant Asakura an immediate title shot, citing his experience and global appeal. “This guy doesn’t need to prove himself in the UFC first. He’s already proven he’s one of the best in the world,” White said during a press event.
White said, “He’s a bad boy. This isn’t the guy that needs to come in and be tested and figure out… He’s one of the best in the world. We’re going to find out that night if he’s the best in the world.”
Asakura, confident but respectful, sent a warning to Pantoja: “I’m here to become the best. If Pantoja makes one mistake, I’ll capitalize on it and finish the fight. Don’t blink.”
UFC 310 will feature a stacked card, including Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Ian Machado Garry and Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov.
Fans can expect an electric showdown between the Brazilian champion and the explosive Japanese striker as the UFC wraps up its 2024 calendar with a bang.
Main Card
Date & Time: Sun, Dec 8 / 8:30 AM GMT+5:30
Watch on: Order via UFC Fight Pass
| Bout | Fighter 1 | Fighter 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flyweight Title Bout | C Alexandre Pantoja (Brazil) | 🆚 | Kai Asakura (Japan) |
| Welterweight Bout | #3 Shavkat Rakhmonov (Kazakhstan) | 🆚 | #7 Ian Machado Garry (Ireland) |
| Heavyweight Bout | #2 Ciryl Gane (France) | 🆚 | #3 Alexander Volkov (Russia) |
| Featherweight Bout | #13 Bryce Mitchell (United States) | 🆚 | Kron Gracie (United States) |
| Featherweight Bout | Nate Landwehr (United States) | 🆚 | Dooho Choi (South Korea) |
Prelims
Date & Time: Sun, Dec 8 / 6:30 AM GMT+5:30
Watch on: UFC Fight Pass
| Bout | Fighter 1 | Fighter 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Heavyweight Bout | #12 Dominick Reyes (United States) | 🆚 | Anthony Smith (United States) |
| Welterweight Bout | #14 Vicente Luque (Brazil) | 🆚 | Nick Diaz (United States) |
| Featherweight Bout | #5 Movsar Evloev (Russia) | 🆚 | #9 Aljamain Sterling (United States) |
| Welterweight Bout | Randy Brown (Jamaica) | 🆚 | Bryan Battle (United States) |
Early Prelims
Date & Time: Sun, Dec 8 / 4:30 AM GMT+5:30
Watch on: UFC Fight Pass
| Bout | Fighter 1 | Fighter 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catchweight Bout | Chris Weidman (United States) | 🆚 | Eryk Anders (United States) |
| Flyweight Bout | #14 Cody Durden (United States) | 🆚 | Joshua Van (United States) |
| Welterweight Bout | Michael Chiesa (United States) | 🆚 | Max Griffin (United States) |
| Lightweight Bout | Chase Hooper (United States) | 🆚 | Clay Guida (United States) |
| Heavyweight Bout | Tallison Teixeira (Brazil) | 🆚 | Lukasz Brzeski (Poland) |
