As the curtain falls on 2024 for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), all eyes converge on Las Vegas for UFC 310, a high-stakes pay-per-view event that promises thrilling encounters inside the octagon. Taking place at the iconic T-Mobile Arena, this matchup features a headline contest for the flyweight championship, ensuring an electric atmosphere filled with anticipation. With a lineup showcasing some of the most formidable combatants, the event is slated for Saturday, and fans are eagerly preparing to tune in to what could be a historic night for the UFC.
For those eager to catch all the action, the main card is scheduled to commence at 10 PM ET, broadcast exclusively through ESPN+ pay-per-view. Prior to this, the preliminary bouts will air on ESPN2, beginning at 8 PM ET, offering fans a taste of the incredible talent coming up through the ranks. Moreover, an early prelims portion will kick off at 6 PM ET on ESPN+, allowing fight enthusiasts to catch a glimpse of emerging fighters who might soon become household names. Noteworthy commentator Jon Anik will take the helm of the broadcast, accompanied by UFC veteran Daniel Cormier and legendary figure Joe Rogan, ensuring viewers are well-informed with insightful commentary throughout the night.
In the main event, Alexandre Pantoja will defend his flyweight title against UFC newcomer Kai Asakura. Pantoja, showcasing an impressive record of 28 wins and 5 losses in mixed martial arts (MMA), has established himself as a dominant force in the division. He previously claimed the title with a narrow split decision victory over Brandon Moreno in mid-2023, and since then, has successfully defended it against other top contenders, including decisions over Brandon Royval and Steve Erceg. His well-rounded skill set, featuring grappling prowess and striking ability, makes him a challenging opponent for anyone in the division.
Conversely, Kai Asakura enters this fight with momentum on his side, having captured the Rizin championship against respected fighter Juan Archuleta nearly a year ago. Although entering the UFC spotlight with no prior fights in the organization underlines the rarity of this championship debut, Asakura’s journey as a former champion in Rizin adds credibility to his potential as a formidable contender. With aspirations to make a statement in the UFC, he aims to upset Pantoja and carve his name into the history of combat sports.
Another exciting matchup on the card features two undefeated welterweights: Ian Machado Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov. With Garry holding an impressive record of 18-0 and Rakhmonov at 15-0, this title eliminator bout has the makings of an instant classic. Garry steps into the octagon after adapting his fight schedule from a matchup against Joaquin Buckley to face Rakhmonov, showcasing his flexibility and readiness to tackle challenges head-on. Known for his striking finesse and tactical acumen, Garry looks to solidify his place as a title contender in the welterweight division.
Shavkat Rakhmonov, on the other hand, presents a unique challenge for Garry. The Kazakh fighter, who was originally set to face Belal Muhammad for the title before a last-minute withdrawal, remains a potent force, demonstrating an astonishing finishing rate with every victory achieved by stoppage. As both fighters approach this bout with a wealth of potential, the stakes have never been higher, ensuring that fans can expect an edge-of-the-seat showdown featuring two rising stars.
Beyond the two highlight matches, UFC 310 presents several additional bouts that add depth to the event. Featuring notable fighters such as Ciryl Gane, Alexander Volkov, and Dominick Reyes, the card illustrates the ongoing evolution of fighters across various weight classes, further emphasizing the UFC’s role at the forefront of mixed martial arts. It is a testament to the organization’s ability to curate cards laden with potential, showcasing talent from diverse backgrounds.
The anticipation surrounding UFC 310 is palpable, not only due to the title implications but also due to the overall quality and caliber of fighters participating throughout the event. As the promotion’s final pay-per-view of the year, it provides an outstanding showcase of both established veterans and fresh faces aiming to leave an indelible mark on the sport in Las Vegas. With mixed martial arts enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the event, UFC 310 stands poised to deliver unforgettable moments this weekend, further demonstrating why the UFC remains the premier organization in the combat sports landscape.