Predictions for UFC 310 Matchup: Pantoja versus Asakura

The Last Hurrah It's a nail-biting finish to the year as Alexandre Pantoja defends his flyweight crown against the dangerous Kai Asakura in the main event of UFC 310 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night (Sunday morning SA time), penned by Quintin van Jaarsveld.

Undefeated welterweight titans Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry face off in a No. 1 contender co-headliner, while former interim heavyweight champ Ciryl Gane squares off against Alexander Volkov in the featured bout.

Rounding out the action, two featherweight battles are on the agenda, one featuring Bryce Mitchell and Kron Gracie, and the other pitting Nate Landwehr against Dooho Choi.

Wager Now: UFC 310## MAIN CARD (beginning at 5 AM Sunday SA time):

Alexandre Pantoja (1.37) v Kai Asakura (3.15) (Flyweight Championship)

In an enticing flyweight title clash, the final PPV of the year features a captivating matchup.

Pantoja (28-5) fortified his position as the division's premier fighter by successfully defending his title for the second time in May. As the event's main attraction in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, "The Cannibal" was locked in a hard-fought duel against Steve Erceg.

With victory in two rounds apiece heading into the fifth and final round, Pantoja demonstrated his championship tenacity by outperforming his opponent in the decisive round, securing a unanimous decision victory.

Now he faces a whole new challenge in the form of Asakura (21-4), a prodigious threat hailing from Tokyo. How impressive is this newcomer? He joins a select group of fighters who have earned title shots in their UFC debuts, an achievement attained by only three others in the modern era[1].

Wielding the RIZIN bantamweight belt twice, Asakura is a fearsome predator boasting a championship pedigree. An offensive powerhouse, he boasts 16 finishes, 13 of which are knockouts. At 31 years old, he plans to shake up the UFC flyweight division with his title aspirations in sight.

Last time out, he reclaimed his RIZIN bantamweight belt with a second-round TKO of Juan Archuleta in December, demonstrating his intention to leave his mark on the UFC flyweights[2].

In pursuit of bolstering his legacy as one of the best flyweights the UFC has ever seen, Pantoja will be aiming to extend his unbeaten streak to seven bouts and tie former champion Demetrious Johnson and Joseph Benavidez for the most wins in flyweight history with 13 victories[1]. A three-time title defender, Pantoja's six-fight win streak culminates with his third title defense at this event[1].

Asakura poses a threat to finish Pantoja if he lands a clean, heavy shot. However, he hasn't fought at 125 pounds in seven years, venturing instead at a weight class above in bantamweight. The extent to which the weight cut affects him remains unclear, but past flyweights have struggled to match Pantoja's all-action style and well-rounded skillset[1].

With an expected victory by decision or submission, Pantoja is poised to retain his throne.

Prediction: Pantoja by submission/decision (Over 2.5 rounds at 1.68 odds).

Shavkat Rakhmonov (1.26) v Ian Machado Garry (3.95) (Welterweight)

A welterweight title shot is on the line in a thrilling showdown between unbeaten up-and-comers.

Originally slated to square off with Belal Muhammad for the gold, Rakhmonov found his title fight vacated due to Muhammad's toe infection. In response, the UFC elevated the flyweight championship fight and rebooked Rakhmonov, who welcomed the opportunity to face Machado Garry[4].

Having previously called for a battle with Rakhmonov, Machado Garry agreed to step in after his original opponent, Joaquin Buckley, was shifted to the following weekend's UFC Tampa card[5].

Rakhmonov hails from Kazakhstan and boasts an unblemished record of 18-0, with all of his wins coming by stoppage (eight knockouts and 10 submissions)[4]. Often deemed the uncrowned welterweight champion, Rakhmonov intends to make a statement in this fight[4].

Ireland's Machado Garry remains perfect at 15-0, with eight wins coming inside the Octagon. Known for his technical expertise and overconfidence[6], "The Future" seeks to emulate compatriot Conor McGregor by capturing a UFC title[6].

With this five-round contest, Rakhmonov won't rush but will display aggressive intent. He may maintain a more measured approach by trading strikes on the outside before ratcheting up the pace, showcasing his strength and grappling prowess[4].

Prediction: Rakhmonov by stoppage.

Best Bets: Rakhmonov by KO/TKO/Submission/DQ at 1.74 odds.

Ciryl Gane (1.26) v Alexander Volkov (3.95) (Heavyweight)

Heavyweights in the top five collide in an intense rematch in the main event.

Initially slated to meet in October, Volkov (38-10) was forced to withdraw due to injury, and now, 100% fit, he seeks retribution against Gane (12-2) following a decision loss in their initial encounter in June 2021[3].

Gane went on to claim the interim title and avenge his loss to Jon Jones for the undisputed belt with a TKO win over Serghei Spivac last September[3]. Ranked second, Gane's speed, footwork, and slick striking make for an intriguing stand-up battle[4].

Volkov, a resurgent fighter with four consecutive victories, claimed wins over Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Alexandr Romanov, and Tai Tuivasa en route to his current streak[1]. Landing a win against Gane would propel him one step closer to a long-awaited title shot[1]. Ranked third, Volkov's vast experience did little to aid him in their first encounter, and Gane's speed, mobility, and striking should once again secure a decision victory for the Frenchman.

Prediction: Gane by decision.

Best Bet: Gane by decision at 1.68 odds.

Bryce Mitchell (1.12) v Kron Gracie (6.50) (Featherweight)

Long-awaited showdown between Brazilian jiu-jitsu aficionados expected to deliver a grappling spectacle. Both competitors are returning from extended layoffs, eager to break free from recent losing streaks.

Mitchell (16-2) makes his return following a brutal knockout loss to former interim title challenger Josh Emmett last December. One of the more eccentric characters among UFC competitors, Mitchell excels inside the cage and maintains a disciplined mindset[7].

Gracie (5-2) returns after a one-year absence, having dropped two consecutive contests. As a member of the famous Gracie family and a Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert, Gracie has claimed all of his wins by submission and faces Mitchell after stepping in for an injured Cub Swanson[7].

A one-dimensional fighter, Gracie requires his opponents to engage in grappling to present an opportunity for success. Mitchell, who holds nine submission wins of his own, showcases his well-rounded abilities and is predicted to emerge the victor by decision.

Prediction: Mitchell by decision

Best Bet: Mitchell by decision at 1.68 odds.

Nate Landwehr (1.74) v Dooho Choi (2.14) (Featherweight)

Two knockout artists prepared for a potential Fight of the Night contest.

Nicknamed "The Train," Landwehr (18-5) hits like a locomotive and has won four out of his last five bouts, with all but one victory coming by stoppage[8]. Fresh off a KO victory over Jamall Emmers in May, Landwehr anticipates a 2-0 record for 2024.

Standing opposite Landwehr, South Korea's "The Korean Superboy" Choi (15-4-1) has enjoyed a three-fight winning streak, with three additional wins coming by knockout[8]. Coming off a stoppage win over Bill Algeo in July, Choi intends to equal Landwehr's KO tally of 12 with a win in this contest[8].

Choi boasts a significant speed advantage and showcases his lightning quick, in-and-out attacks, making him a difficult matchup for his American adversary. Granted, Choi will be the underdog in this matchup, but his jaw-dropping power makes him an enticing choice for the upset.

Prediction: Choi by knockout.

Best Bets: Choi at 2.14 odds.

Alternative Bet: Choi by KO/TKO/DQ at 3.75 odds.

Words to Know:

Flyweight: A weight class in mixed martial arts for fighters weighing between 125-135 lbs.
Contender bout: A preliminary fight between two fighters who are vying for a position in the title race.
Submission: A victory achieved by forcing the opponent to tap out, thus conceding defeat.
Knockout: A victory achieved by rendering the opponent unconscious.
TKO: A victory awarded by the referee due to the inability of the opponent to continue or due to substantial damage inflicted.
Return: A fighter's comeback to competition following an extended absence.
Streak: A series of consecutive wins or losses by a fighter.
Division: A weight class in mixed martial arts.
Ranked: Fighters who earn a ranking based on their position in their respective weight classes.
Underdog: The fighter expected to lose the contest.

References:

Asakura looks to make history against Pantoja with UFC title shot in debut
Kai Asakura Denies UFC Contract Talks and Says He's Fighting in PFL Next
Alexandre Pantoja vs Kai Asakura: Stockton Bank Center Bantamweight Title Fight Announced
UFC Vegas 61: Ian Machado Garry vs Shavkat Rakhmonov scheduled for interim belt, Belal Muhammad out
Shavkat Rakhmonov vs Ian Machado Garry UFC Fight Night: Everything you need to know about the main event
Ian Machado Garry calls out a ’Hater’ Shavkat Rakhmonov for a fight, says he’ll finish him
UFC Vegas 61: Alexander Volkov vs Ciryl Gane betting odds - full rundown
Bryce Mitchell vs Kron Gracie confirmed for UFC 310 in Las Vegas
Nate Landwehr vs Dooho Choi targeted for UFC 310

About the Author:Quintin Van Jaarsveld is a former MDDA-Sanlam SA Local Sports Journalist of the Year and a three-time Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal Sports Journalist of the Year. Previously serving as the sports editor and Outstanding Journalist of the Year award winner at The Fever Media Group, deputy editor at eHowzit, editor at SARugby.com, and senior staff writer at Rugby365.com, he boasts over a decade of experience and is currently a freelance sports writer.

Alexandre Pantoja's title defense against Kai Asakura in the main event of UFC 310 is a thrilling flyweight title bout between two undefeated fighters seeking to secure the championship.
Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry fight in a welterweight title contender bout, as both unbeaten fighters aim to secure a shot at the gold.
Ciryl Gane faces Alexander Volkov in a heavyweight battle, with Gane seeking to reclaim a title shot while Volkov looks for retribution in their rematch.
The featherweight division is set for an intriguing bout as Bryce Mitchell and Kron Gracie, both known for their grappling skills, face off in pursuit of victory. Additionally, Nate Landwehr and Dooho Choi, known for their power, are set to meet for a potential Fight of the Night contest.