Brace yourselves for an electrifying night as UFC 310: Pantoja vs. Asakura lights up the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, December 7, 2024. With the Flyweight Championship on the line in a battle of dynamite, rising stars clashing in a pivotal co-main event, and legends vying for redemption, this is one MMA event you cannot afford to miss.
Here's a detailed breakdown of the main card, preliminary highlights, and everything you need to know to get hyped.
Main Card Preview
Alexandre Pantoja (c) vs. Kai Asakura - Flyweight Championship
The reigning flyweight king, Alexandre Pantoja, faces his toughest test yet as he defends his title against Japanese sensation Kai Asakura.
Pantoja enters the Octagon riding high on a string of dominant performances, blending relentless grappling with precise striking. Known for his unmatched ability to capitalize on scrambles and submissions, he has been the division's nightmare.
Asakura, a former RIZIN standout, is a striker with knockout power that can end fights in the blink of an eye. With a growing reputation as a finisher, his unorthodox striking will test Pantoja's composure. Expect a thrilling clash of styles as Pantoja's grappling meets Asakura's striking arsenal. Will Pantoja extend his reign, or will Asakura's power deliver a seismic upset?
Co-Main Event: Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Ian Machado Garry - Welterweight Showdown
In what many are calling the "people's main event," unbeaten phenom Shavkat Rakhmonov faces the charismatic Irish star Ian Machado Garry.
Rakhmonov, a complete fighter with a 100% finish rate, has bulldozed through the welterweight ranks with clinical submissions and devastating striking.
Garry, a vocal and confident rising star, combines a precision striking game with movement reminiscent of Conor McGregor in his prime. Coming off a career-defining win, he looks to derail Rakhmonov's hype train. The winner of this bout could easily find themselves in line for a title shot, making this a must-watch clash of future champions.
Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov - Heavyweight Contenders Collide
Two heavyweight technicians square off as Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov aim to solidify their spots in the title picture.
Gane brings fluid footwork and a striking clinic rarely seen in the heavyweight division. After a bounce-back win, he's out to prove he's still a top contender.
Volkov, the towering Russian, has showcased durability and power, using his reach advantage to outwork opponents. This fight promises a tactical chess match, with potential fireworks if either man finds an opening.
Bryce Mitchell vs. Kron Gracie - Featherweight Grappling Showcase
For fans of ground wars, Bryce Mitchell vs. Kron Gracie is a dream matchup.
Mitchell, a relentless wrestler, thrives on suffocating control and slick submissions, as showcased by his "Twister" victory.
Gracie, carrying the weight of his legendary surname, is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist who looks to add another submission to his resume. This bout is a throwback to the roots of MMA, with the ground game taking center stage.
Nate Landwehr vs. Doo Ho Choi - Featherweight Fireworks
When Nate Landwehr and Doo Ho Choi enter the cage, chaos is guaranteed.
Landwehr, known for his wild brawling style and high energy, never takes a backward step.
Choi, "The Korean Superboy," returns with knockout intentions and crisp boxing, aiming to reclaim his spot among the featherweight elite. Don’t blink—this fight could end in a highlight-reel finish.
Preliminary Card Highlights
The UFC 310 prelims are stacked with veteran clashes and rising prospects:
Anthony Smith vs. Dominick Reyes: Former light heavyweight contenders clash in a high-stakes bout, with both fighters looking to bounce back into contention.
Vicente Luque vs. Themba Gorimbo: A welterweight bout that pits Luque's vicious striking against Gorimbo's grappling finesse.
Keep an eye on prospects like Maycee Barber and Mike Malott, who could steal the show early in the night.
What’s at Stake?
For Pantoja, a win cements his dominance in the flyweight division, while a victory for Asakura could mark the beginning of a new era.
Rakhmonov or Garry could emerge as a legitimate title threat in the welterweight division, shaping the future of 170 pounds.
Gane and Volkov have their sights on heavyweight gold, making this a pivotal clash in their careers.
Why You Can’t Miss UFC 310
With world titles, future stars, and legacy-defining fights, UFC 310 promises an unforgettable night. Tune in live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, exclusively on ESPN+, with prelims starting at 6 PM ET and the main card at 10 PM ET.
Prepare for jaw-dropping action, shocking moments, and the kind of drama only the UFC can deliver. Mark your calendars and don’t miss it!