November 6, 2024 8:50 am ET
A UFC newcomer is leaping proper right into a title shot as Kai Asakura is ready to problem flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 310.
Asakura (21-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC) gives some new blood on the prime of the UFC’s 125-pound division, particularly given Pantoja (28-5 MMA, 12-3 UFC) holds title-fight victories over three of the 4 fighters ranked behind him.
Asakura has made his title in his native Japan, competing for Rizin since December 2017. Asakura is a two-time Rizin bantamweight champion. He break up a pair of matchups with former UFC and Bellator champ Kyoji Horiguchi, misplaced his title to Manel Kape in December 2019, and most just lately defeated former Bellator champ Juan Archuleta by second-round TKO in December 2023.
Pantoja will search his third consecutive title protection. After successful a split decision against Brandon Moreno to say the belt in July 2023, Pantoja adopted up with wins over Brandon Royval and most recently Steve Erceg this past May at UFC 301.
The oddsmakers favor the sitting champion, with Pantoja listed at -218 and Asakura coming again at +180 by way of DraftKings. For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 310.
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Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Asakura preview
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