A UFC newcomer is jumping right into a title shot as Kai Asakura is set to challenge flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 310.
Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Asakura preview
Asakura (21-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC) provides some new blood at the top of the UFC’s 125-pound division, especially given Pantoja (28-5 MMA, 12-3 UFC) holds title-fight victories over three of the four fighters ranked behind him.
Asakura has made his name in his native Japan, competing for Rizin since December 2017. Asakura is a two-time Rizin bantamweight champion. He split a pair of matchups with former UFC and Bellator champ Kyoji Horiguchi, lost his title to Manel Kape in December 2019, and most recently defeated former Bellator champ Juan Archuleta by second-round TKO in December 2023.
Pantoja will seek his third consecutive title defense. After winning a split decision against Brandon Moreno to claim the belt in July 2023, Pantoja followed up with wins over Brandon Royval and most recently Steve Erceg this past May at UFC 301.
Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Asakura odds
The oddsmakers favor the sitting champion, with Pantoja listed at -218 and Asakura coming back at +180 via DraftKings.
How to watch Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Asakura at UFC 310
- When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024
- Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
- Broadcast/streaming: ESPN+ pay-per-view
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 310.