UFC 310: Star parade in Las Vegas
The final numbered UFC event of 2024 promises to be an action-packed night of mixed martial arts, headlined by a thrilling flyweight title bout between reigning champion Alexandre Pantoja and UFC newcomer Kai Asakura. The fight show will take place at the famous T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas already on Sunday, December 8th. Without further ado, let’s have a closer look at some of the biggest fights of the event.
Alexandre Pantoja vs Kai Asakura
When welterweight champion Belal Muhammad was forced to withdraw from his highly anticipated title defence against Shavkat Rakhmonov due to an injury, the spotlight shifted to the flyweight division. Pantoja, who was originally scheduled for the co-main event, now finds himself in the main event slot, where he will defend his title for the second time in 2024 against Kai Asakura, the former RIZIN bantamweight champion making his UFC debut.
Alexandre Pantoja (28-5) is no stranger to the top of the flyweight division. After claiming the title in July 2023 with a hard-fought split decision over Brandon Moreno, Pantoja successfully defended his belt twice, first against Brandon Royval and later against Steve Erceg. With a six-fight winning streak, the Brazilian has firmly established himself as one of the division’s elite fighters, combining his dominance in grappling with dangerous submission skills.
Standing across from him will be Kai Asakura (21-4), a fighter who has been a force in Japan’s RIZIN promotion. Asakura has made a name for himself with wins over top-tier fighters such as Kyoji Horiguchi, Manel Kape, and Juan Archuleta. Asakura’s striking power and his ability to finish fights will present a unique challenge for the champion. With his dynamic style and strong performances in RIZIN, Asakura’s UFC debut could very well be a showstopper, as he aims to make history by becoming the first Japanese fighter to capture UFC flyweight gold.
This title fight offers a fascinating clash of styles: Pantoja’s grappling-heavy approach versus Asakura’s explosive striking. It’s anyone’s guess who will emerge victorious, but one thing is certain — this will be a thrilling battle for the flyweight championship. However, if we’re talking odds, the current champion is a clear favourite to retain his title at the odds of 1.37, while his opponent is rated at 3.20.
Shavkat Rakhmonov vs Ian Machado Garry
The co-main event sees two undefeated welterweight contenders, Shavkat Rakhmonov (18-0) and Ian Machado Garry (15-0), face off in what has the potential to be the fight of the night. Rakhmonov, originally slated to fight Muhammad for the welterweight title, now finds himself in a No. 1 contender’s match with Garry after Muhammad’s unfortunate withdrawal. Both fighters are undefeated, and this bout could very well decide who will next challenge for the welterweight crown.
Rakhmonov has quickly made a name for himself with his devastating finishes, including a dominant win over Geoff Neal at UFC 302. The 30-year-old Kazakh fighter is known for his relentless aggression and ability to finish opponents, having never gone to a decision in his professional career.
On the other hand, Garry, the Irish welterweight, is also undefeated, with a perfect 15-0 record. He’s steadily risen through the ranks with impressive victories over fighters like Neil Magny and Geoff Neal. Now, Garry is stepping up to face one of the most dangerous fighters in the division, taking a massive risk in this high-stakes battle for a potential title shot.
With both fighters boasting flawless records, this contest promises to be a captivating clash of future welterweight stars, and the winner will be in prime position for a shot at the title. As for the odds, despite both fighters being undefeated, Rakhmonov is a massive favourite at 1.25, compared to Garry’s 4.13. Could this be the moment when betting on the underdog pays off significantly?
Ciryl Gane vs Alexander Volkov
In a battle of top-ranked heavyweights, Ciryl Gane (11-2) will take on Alexander Volkov (38-10) in a highly anticipated rematch. The two first met in 2021, with Gane securing a unanimous decision victory. However, much has changed since then, and both fighters enter this contest with momentum on their side.
Ciryl Gane is coming off a dominant second-round TKO win over Serghei Spivac in September 2023. Gane’s fast footwork, fluid striking, and dynamic movement make him one of the most technical heavyweights in the division, but his recent losses to Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones have raised questions about his ability to compete at the very top.
Alexander Volkov has found new life after a string of impressive victories, including stoppage wins over Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Tai Tuivasa, and Sergei Pavlovich. The 36-year-old Russian is on a four-fight winning streak and looks more dangerous than ever. This bout will provide both fighters with an opportunity to make a statement in the heavyweight division. That being said, OlyBet sportsbook considers Gane as a strong favourite at the odds of 1.30, while Volkov is rated at 3.67.
Final thoughts
UFC 310 may have lost its original headliner, but the event still promises to deliver plenty of excitement. With both the flyweight title and welterweight title picture hanging in the balance, fans are in for a night (morning here in the Baltics) of thrilling action. From Pantoja’s quest for a third title defence to Asakura’s opportunity to make history in his UFC debut, UFC 310 is bound to be filled with unforgettable moments. Set your alarm early and enjoy!
