In a thrilling main event at UFC 310, Alexandre Pantoja showcased his elite grappling skills, successfully defending his flyweight championship against newcomer Kai Asakura. The bout took place at the bustling T-Mobile Arena, drawing an impressive crowd of 18,648 spectators. Pantoja’s victory, which came by way of a second-round submission, served as a testament not only to his championship caliber but also to the importance of grappling in mixed martial arts.
Asakura, a former RIZIN bantamweight champion, entered the Octagon with the hopes of making history as the first Japanese champion in UFC’s flyweight division. Since signing with UFC in June, he was thrust into the spotlight with a title shot against Pantoja. However, despite his striking prowess and determination, Asakura found himself outmatched. Pantoja systematically dismantled Asakura’s offense, neutralizing his explosive striking angles and dictating the pace of the fight from the outset.
Pantoja’s Strategy: Grappling Over Striking
In the opening round, Pantoja’s approach was clear; he remained composed and strategically engaged with Asakura while assessing his strengths. As the second round commenced, Pantoja transitioned to a more aggressive offensive strategy. After cornering Asakura against the cage, he seized the opportunity during a scramble to secure Asakura’s back. With a masterful display of technique, Pantoja quickly maneuvered to the mat and began to set up a rear-naked choke.
Asakura’s efforts to resist were ultimately futile, and he succumbed to the Brazilian’s skilled grip at the 2:05 mark, losing consciousness before he could tap out. This victory marked Pantoja’s third successful title defense and his seventh consecutive win, underscoring his status as a dominant force in the flyweight division.
Pantoja’s Legacy and Future Challenges
At 29-5, Pantoja is now second all-time in flyweight title wins, trailing only Demetrious Johnson, who boasts twelve. Pantoja’s ambitions are clear: to leave an indelible mark in UFC history. In a post-fight statement, he issued a playful challenge to Johnson, calling for him to return from retirement to prove who truly holds the title of greatest of all time in the flyweight category.
While a matchup with Johnson may be uncertain, Pantoja has a wealth of potential challengers lining up for his next title defense. Names like Kai Kara-France, Amir Albazi, and Brandon Royval are all viable contenders eager to take their shot at the championship.
Pantoja’s latest victory at UFC 310 not only solidifies his current status but also paves the way for exciting matchups in the future. As he establishes his legacy, fight fans around the world eagerly await his next move, hoping to witness more of his remarkable grappling displays and championship prowess in the Octagon. With ambition steering him forward, Pantoja remains a formidable champion in the ever-competitive flyweight landscape.