December 8, 2024 1: 27 am ET
Alexandre Pantoja denied Kai Asakura’s opportunity to make history by becoming the first UFC champion from Japan.
In the main event of UFC 310 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Pantoja (29-5 MMA, 13-3 UFC) proved to be the superior fighter by choking out former Rizin champion and UFC newcomer Asakura (21-5 MMA, 0-1 UFC). The rear-naked choke submission came at 2: 05 of Round 2.
This fight started in a blur. Pantoja quickly closed the distance with strikes, prompting a counter jumping knee from Asakura. The champ responded with a big punch before things slowed down in the clinch. Pantoja took the fight to the ground, but not much took place before Asakura got back to his feet.
The challenger darted in and out with a variety of strikes while Pantoja patiently countered and charged forward with hard punches and kicks when he recognized an opportunity.
Pantoja came out aggressively in Round 2, using strikes to setup a takedown attempt. Denied initially, Pantoja scrambled his way to Asakura’s back and quickly locked in a body triangle.
Soon, the rear-naked choke was slapped on, and the squeeze put Asakura to sleep.
ALEXANDRE PANTOJA SUBMITS KAI ASAKURA IN ROUND 2 💪 #UFC310 pic.twitter.com/JH5vQCW4Fs
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 8, 2024
During his post-fight interview, Pantoja called out retired former champion Demetrious Johnson.
“I’m the GOAT here,” Pantoja told Joe Rogan in the octagon. “If you want to prove you’re the GOAT, come back.”
The result marks Pantoja’s third defense of the UFC flyweight title as he extends his current winning streak to seven. Pantoja claimed the title by winning a split decision over Brandon Moreno and has since defeated Brandon Royval, Steve Erceg, and now Asakura.
For the former Rizin champ, Asak