UFC Newcomer Kai Asakura To Challenge Flyweight Champion Alexandre Pantoja At UFC 310
Former Two-Time RIZIN Bantamweight Champion To Make UFC Debut In UFC 310 Main Event On December 7, 2024, At T-Mobile Arena In Las Vegas
UFC announced that newcomer Kai Asakura, who recently signed with the promotion, will challenge flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja in his debut in the main event at UFC 310: Pantoja vs Asakura, live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 7, 2024
Asakura, a two-time RIZIN bantamweight champion, enters the UFC with an impressive 21-4 professional record, including 16 finishes—13 by knockout and three by submission. He also holds a victory over No. 9 ranked UFC flyweight contender Manel Kape and former UFC flyweight title challenger Kyoji Horiguchi.
In his most recent fight, Tokyo’s Asakura reclaimed his RIZIN bantamweight title by finishing Juan Archuleta in the second round at RIZIN 45 this past December. On June 8, the 30-year-old announced his decision to vacate his title and sign with the UFC.
Asakura will face Pantoja, who captured the UFC flyweight title by defeating Brandon Moreno at UFC 290 last summer. Pantoja has since defended his championship twice, earning unanimous decision victories over Brandon Royval and Steve Erceg. The 125-pound champion is currently on a six-fight win streak, which includes submission victories over both top-ranked contender Brandon Royval and Alex Perez. Pantoja also ranks third in flyweight history for the most wins, with 12, trailing only Demetrious Johnson and Joseph Benavidez, who each have 13.