It’s not the first time Alexandre Pantoja has found himself in the main event spot, even though he might not be the UFC’s top choice.
UFC 310’s headliner features Pantoja facing off against the newcomer Kai Asakura from Japan’s RIZIN promotion, marking Pantoja’s second pay-per-view main event of 2024.
Pantoja’s victory over Steve Erceg at UFC 301 solidified his position as the reigning flyweight champion, setting the stage for a potentially bigger 2025 if he can overcome Asakura.
Ranked No. 4 in the MMA Fighting Pound-for-Pound Rankings, Pantoja’s future challenges and the potential for success in 2025 are analyzed by Alexander K. Lee, Mike Heck, and Jed Meshew.
1. Alexandre Pantoja fights _____ next if he beats Kai Asakura.
Lee: Pantoja’s next opponent could be Asu Almabayev if he can secure a win against Asakura, positioning him for a potential title shot in 2025.
2. Where does Ian Machado Garry rank with an upset win over Shavkat Rakhmonov?
Heck: If Garry pulls off an upset against Rakhmonov, he could potentially move up to the top spot in the welterweight rankings, depending on the performance.
3. What preliminary bout should be on the main card instead of Bryce Mitchell vs. Kron Gracie?
Lee: Vicente Luque vs. Themba Gorimbo should have been on the main card, recognizing their contributions to the division and exciting fighting styles.
In conclusion, the matchups and potential outcomes at UFC 310 present intriguing storylines and opportunities for various fighters to make their mark in the octagon.