The stakes are sky-high as UFC 310 approaches, with reigning Flyweight Champion Alexandre Pantoja set to defend his belt against Japan’s MMA sensation Kai Asakura in the main event. Asakura, known for his explosive striking and crowd-pleasing performances, faces a monumental challenge in the battle-hardened Pantoja, who has built a career as one of the most dangerous flyweights in UFC history.
For fans anticipating a high-stakes chess match with violent overtones, this fight is a must-watch. However, for Kai Asakura, there’s plenty to fear as he steps into the Octagon with a champion who embodies technical brilliance, unwavering toughness, and unmatched versatility. Here’s a deep dive into 10 reasons why Kai Asakura should be worried about facing Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 310.
1. A Wealth of Experience That Can’t Be Taught
Alexandre Pantoja has been through the wringer, carving out his place among the elite in the flyweight division. With over 30 professional MMA fights and a storied history of facing top-tier opponents, Pantoja has seen it all. His battles include wins over names like Brandon Moreno (twice), Manel Kape, and Matt Schnell, solidifying his status as a veteran who thrives under pressure.
In contrast, Kai Asakura’s resume, while impressive, lacks the depth and high-level consistency that Pantoja’s does. This disparity in experience could be a decisive factor, especially in a title fight where every mistake matters.
2. A Finishing Artist Extraordinaire
Pantoja has made it abundantly clear that he’s not in the Octagon to win by decision—he’s there to finish fights. With 19 of his 26 wins coming via finish (10 by submission, 9 by knockout), Pantoja possesses a rare ability to end fights both on the ground and standing.Asakura’s exciting but sometimes reckless style might play right into Pantoja’s hands, as the champion has a knack for exploiting openings and pouncing with deadly precision.
3. Submission Game That’s Second to None
While Kai Asakura excels in the striking department, he could find himself completely outmatched if the fight goes to the mat. Pantoja, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, has a suffocating grappling style that has left numerous opponents helpless. Notably, he secured a rear-naked choke finish over Brandon Royval and has showcased a variety of submissions throughout his career.Asakura’s ground defense has yet to be truly tested at the elite level, making him vulnerable to Pantoja’s relentless grappling arsenal.
4. Relentless Forward Pressure
Few fighters bring the kind of suffocating pace that Alexandre Pantoja does. From the moment the cage door closes, Pantoja is constantly pressing forward, cutting off angles, and forcing his opponents to react.This relentless style disrupts the rhythm of even the most composed strikers, leaving them unable to execute their game plans effectively. Asakura, who thrives on dictating the tempo of fights, may struggle to adapt to Pantoja’s constant aggression.
5. Proven Victories Over UFC’s Elite
Pantoja’s resume reads like a who’s who of the flyweight division. He holds victories over Brandon Moreno, a former champion and perennial contender, as well as other elite names like Alex Perez and Matt Schnell.These wins demonstrate not just Pantoja’s technical prowess but also his ability to thrive under the bright lights against the very best in the world. Asakura, by contrast, is stepping into a realm of competition he has yet to truly experience.
6. Iron Chin and Unwavering Durability
Pantoja’s toughness is the stuff of legend. He’s faced some of the hardest hitters in the division and walked through their best shots without wilting. His ability to absorb damage and keep pressing forward is a psychological weapon that breaks the will of many opponents.While Asakura has knockout power, he may find it nearly impossible to put away a fighter as durable as Pantoja, forcing him into a prolonged war he may not be prepared for.
7. Underrated Striking Arsenal
While much is made of Pantoja’s grappling, his striking deserves just as much respect. Over the years, he has developed a well-rounded striking game, complete with powerful combinations, devastating leg kicks, and precise counters.Notably, Pantoja has shown the ability to hang with high-level strikers like Manel Kape and Brandon Royval, proving that he’s more than capable of holding his own in the stand-up department. This versatility means Asakura will have to stay sharp at all times, knowing that danger lurks in every exchange.
8. Championship Conditioning
A five-round fight is a grueling test of both physical and mental fortitude, and Pantoja has proven he can go the distance while maintaining a punishing pace. His championship experience ensures he knows how to conserve energy when needed and explode when opportunities arise.Asakura, who has predominantly fought three-round bouts, may struggle to match Pantoja’s energy levels in the championship rounds—a critical factor in a fight of this magnitude.
9. Mental Fortitude in High-Stakes Moments
Pantoja thrives under pressure. He has repeatedly delivered standout performances in high-stakes scenarios, including his title win against Brandon Moreno at UFC 290 in a brutal war that showcased his heart and determination.
In contrast, Asakura has yet to face a moment of this magnitude, and the psychological aspect of fighting a proven champion like Pantoja could weigh heavily on him.
10. A Champion’s Ruthless Mindset
Perhaps the most terrifying aspect of Alexandre Pantoja is his mindset. He enters every fight not just looking to win but to dominate. This ruthless approach has made him one of the most feared champions in the division.For Asakura, this means facing an opponent who will capitalize on even the smallest mistake, leaving no margin for error. Pantoja’s unwavering focus and killer instinct make him a nightmare matchup for any challenger.
Kai Asakura is undoubtedly a talented and exciting fighter, but Alexandre Pantoja is a champion unlike any other. With his extensive experience, diverse skill set, and unrelenting mindset, Pantoja poses a litany of challenges that Asakura must somehow overcome.