Asakura to Challenge Pantoja at UFC 310

UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja is set to defend his title against newcomer Kai Asakura in the co-main event at UFC 310 on December 7 in Las Vegas. Pantoja, with a record of 28-5, won the title in July 2023 and has successfully defended it twice, most recently defeating Steve Erceg by decision. Asakura, a former two-time Rizin bantamweight champion, enters the UFC with an impressive 21-4 record and is known for his knockout power, having finished 16 of his 21 wins. The matchup marks a significant opportunity for Asakura, who recently reclaimed the Rizin bantamweight title before vacating it to join the UFC. Pantoja is currently favored in the betting odds at -210, while Asakura is the underdog at +180. UFC 310 is the final pay-per-view event of the year, also featuring a title fight between welterweight champion Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov.