UFC 310: Pantoja vs Asakura made headlines around the world, delivering high‑stakes fights, veteran comebacks, and rising stars stepping up on one of MMA’s biggest stages.
UFC 310 refers to a numbered event organized by Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), titled “UFC 310: Pantoja vs Asakura.” The event took place on December 7, 2024, at the T‑Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada (Las Vegas area).
As with numbered UFC events, UFC 310 was part of the league’s official pay-per-view roster. It featured a main event for the flyweight title, and a stacked card including multiple high-profile bouts across weight classes.
Why UFC 310 mattered
End-of-year crescendo: UFC 310 closed out UFC’s 2024 pay-per-view schedule.
Title implications: The main event — a flyweight title fight — was a big draw.
Stacked card: From heavyweight clashes to rising welterweight standouts, the card offered something for every fan.
With that foundation laid, let’s dive into the event’s build‑up, what actually happened, and why UFC 310 remains significant.
Build-up to UFC 310: Setting the Stage
Announcements and Fight Card
On October 12, 2024, UFC publicly confirmed the key bouts for UFC 310.
Notably:
The original headliner was billed as a welterweight title fight: champion Belal Muhammad vs. the undefeated contender Shavkat Rakhmonov.
Meanwhile, flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja was to defend against Japanese star Kai Asakura, marking Asakura’s debut in UFC.
Other notable fights included heavyweight bout Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov, a featherweight fight between Bryce Mitchell and Kron Gracie, and several important prelims featuring seasoned names and rising talents.
As is sometimes the case with MMA events, card changes and shifts in expectations occurred — ultimately shaping how fans perceived UFC 310 going into fight night.
Setting Expectations: What Fans Were Watching For
Given the announced bouts, UFC 310 generated excitement for multiple reasons:
A title defense at flyweight — always compelling as the division features fast-paced action and technical skill.
A potential prediction-shifting welterweight showdown, with a top contender stepping in.
A heavyweight clash: fans love heavyweights for power, knockouts, and unpredictability.
A chance to see veteran fighters like Ciryl Gane and respected rising fighters — a mix of experience and youthful ambition.
Finally, the event wrapped up 2024 on a high note — a showcase of talent from different divisions before the calendar flipped to a new year.
Given all that buildup, expectations were high.
How to Watch & Attend UFC 310: Streaming and Logistics
If you were planning to catch UFC 310 live — either online or in person — here’s how it worked:
The venue was T‑Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV. Doors opened at around 2:00 PM local time. First bouts reportedly began around 3:00 PM local.
For streaming: early prelims launched at 6:00 PM ET, prelims at 8:00 PM ET, and the main PPV card started around 10:00 PM ET.
Broadcast channels/subscriptions: The main card was on a pay‑per‑view basis (via streaming service), prelims were on a sports/entertainment channel, and early prelims were available on the promotional platform.
If you plan to attend in person: getting tickets early, checking local event schedules, planning for arrival before doors opened, and noting that Las Vegas can be crowded around major UFC events were practical considerations.
UFC 310 Fight Card: Who Fought Whom
Here’s a detailed look at the UFC 310 fight card — main card, prelims, early prelims — and the expected matchups.
Main Card (PPV)
Flyweight (125 lb) — Championship: Alexandre Pantoja (c) vs. Kai Asakura
Welterweight (170 lb): Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Ian Machado Garry
Heavyweight (265 lb): Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov
Featherweight (145 lb): Bryce Mitchell vs. Kron Gracie
Featherweight (145 lb): Nate Landwehr vs. Doo Ho Choi
Prelims
Light Heavyweight (205 lb): Dominick Reyes vs. Anthony Smith
Welterweight (170 lb): Vicente Luque vs. Themba Gorimbo
Featherweight (145 lb): Movsar Evloev vs. Aljamain Sterling
Welterweight (170 lb): Randy Brown vs. Bryan Battle
Early Prelims
Catchweight bout: Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders
Flyweight: Cody Durden vs. Joshua Van
Welterweight: Michael Chiesa vs. Max Griffin
Lightweight/Featherweight‑adjacent: Clay Guida vs. Chase Hooper
Heavyweight: Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Lukasz Brzeski
This robust card offered a mixture of title action, heavyweight power, technical matchups, veteran presence, and new talent showcase — a recipe for a memorable event.
What Happened: UFC 310 Results and Highlights
The fights unfolded, and UFC 310 delivered — with excitement, shock, dominance, and surprise turnarounds. Here’s a breakdown of the results and what stood out.
Main Event — Flyweight Title: Pantoja vs. Asakura
Winner: Alexandre Pantoja successfully defended his flyweight title by submitting Kai Asakura via rear-naked choke in the second round (R2, at 2:05).
Why it mattered: This marked Pantoja’s third successful title defense since claiming the belt, reaffirming his dominance in the 125-lb division.
Context: Asakura, a high-profile Japanese fighter making his UFC debut, entered with expectations; Pantoja’s victory underscored the challenge of stepping into the Octagon for the first time on a title shot.
Co‑Main & Other Key Bouts
Welterweight — Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Ian Machado Garry: Rakhmonov won via split decision after five rounds, handing Garry his first professional loss.
Heavyweight — Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov: A notable main card heavyweight clash with high stakes.
Featherweight — Bryce Mitchell vs. Kron Gracie: A key main‑card fight showcasing grappling skills.
Featherweight — Nate Landwehr vs. Doo Ho Choi: Another exciting featherweight bout on the main card.
Performance Bonuses & Standouts
After the event, UFC awarded $50,000 “Performance of the Night” bonuses to:
Alexandre Pantoja
Vicente Luque
Chase Hooper
Kennedy Nzechukwu
Interestingly, no “Fight of the Night” bonus was awarded — a somewhat rare occurrence, signaling that most fights ended decisively rather than going to razor‑close wars.
What UFC 310 Meant: Impact and Aftermath
For Fighters
Pantoja: The successful defense reinforced his standing as a dominant champion — further cementing a legacy in the flyweight division.
Rakhmonov: The win over Garry elevated him in welterweight title conversations; he positioned himself as a serious threat for the belt moving forward.
Veterans and Comebacks: Fighters like Vicente Luque and others re‑affirmed their relevance. Luque’s performance, for instance, earned him a bonus, hinting at resurgence.
For UFC and MMA Fans
The event ended 2024 on a high — showcasing the UFC’s depth across weight classes.
New stars were spotlighted, title legacies strengthened, and the promotion sustained momentum heading into 2025 and beyond.
The variety (flyweight, welterweight, heavyweight, featherweight, veterans + newcomers) illustrated UFC’s appeal to a broad audience with different fight‑style preferences.
Practical Tips for Fans: How to Get the Most Out of a UFC Event (Using UFC 310 as Example)
Whether you’re watching from home, attending live, or just following MMA casually — here are some takeaways from UFC 310 that you can apply to future UFC events:
Track fight announcements early — UFC usually confirms major bouts weeks ahead. Keeping an eye on official announcements helps you plan subscriptions or travel if you want to attend live.
Review fight card order — Note early prelims, prelims, main card; each has different broadcast platforms. UFC 310 split across streaming services and pay‑per‑view, so knowing which bout airs where helps avoid missing your favorites.
Watch for titles and high‑stakes fights — Title fights or matchups between top contenders tend to deliver high drama and performance. Title defenses (like Pantoja’s) or contender vs contender fights generate lasting impact.
Don’t ignore prelims / early fights — Some upsets and breakout performances (like bonus winners) come from unexpected places. Prelims often provide glimpses of future stars.
Manage expectations — Debuts and first-time UFC fights (like Asakura) can go either way; the UFC level is high, and experience matters. For bettors or fans, approach such fights with caution and open mind.
Use official streaming / legit sources — Ensures best quality, reliability, and supports fighters/promoters. Given region restrictions, plan ahead if you’re outside the main broadcast area.
Recent Trends in UFC (as of 2025) & What UFC 310 Reflects
Even as UFC 310 concluded 2024, the event reflects certain broader trends shaping MMA and UFC in 2025 and beyond.
Global diversity in fighters: UFC 310 featured fighters from Brazil, the United States, Japan, Kazakhstan, and more — reflecting UFC’s increasingly global roster.
Flyweight relevance: Despite heavier divisions often grabbing mainstream attention, flyweight title fights still draw respect and deliver technical, fast-paced action — showing the depth and skill across weight classes.
Blending youth and veteran experience: Campaigns by veterans (e.g., Luque, seasoned heavyweights) alongside new contenders or debutants (e.g., Asakura) point to UFC’s balancing act between legacy and fresh talent.
Emphasis on finishing fights: Submissions, knockouts — UFC 310 awarded major bonuses for performances, highlighting the continuing value placed on finishing ability rather than just striking or decisions.
Pay‑per‑view + streaming hybrid model — The event’s broadcast across multiple channels/platforms mirrors a trend in how MMA reaches fans globally. Viewers now have more flexible options, but must stay aware of platforms and timings.
Real‑Life Example: What UFC 310 Shows for Aspiring Fighters & Fans
Suppose you’re an amateur MMA fighter or fan following fights to learn — UFC 310 offers several lessons:
Watching Pantoja’s technique in defending the flyweight title — his timing, control, and submission skills — can teach flyweight‑class fighters how to combine striking, takedown defense, and grappling under pressure.
Rakhmonov’s approach against Garry shows how an all‑rounder welterweight — with a mix of grappling and stamina — can win tough fights even when the opponent is a strong striker.
The fact that fighters on prelims (or early prelims) still earned bonuses underscores that regardless of card position, anyone with skill and preparation can shine. For aspiring fighters: never underestimate undercards.
For fans: UFC 310 underscores that MMA isn’t just about flashy knockouts — fight IQ, discipline, technique, and stamina often decide championship outcomes.
FAQ
When and where was UFC 310 held?
UFC 310 took place on December 7, 2024, at the T‑Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada (Las Vegas).
Who headlined UFC 310, and what was the main event?
The headline bout was a flyweight title fight between champion Alexandre Pantoja and challenger Kai Asakura.
How was the fight card structured (prelims, main card, early prelims)?
Early prelims started around 6:00 PM ET, prelims at 8:00 PM ET, and the main PPV card began at about 10:00 PM ET. The card included multiple weight classes — from flyweight to heavyweight — featuring both title fights and undercard bouts.
Who won at UFC 310 and were there any notable submissions or knockouts?
Alexandre Pantoja retained his flyweight title by submitting Kai Asakura in round two. Other notable performances earned performance bonuses, including fighters on the prelims.
Why is UFC 310 significant in the context of UFC’s 2024/2025 calendar?
UFC 310 concluded UFC’s 2024 pay-per-view schedule, featured a title defense, showcased both veterans and newcomers, and reinforced multiple divisions’ depth. It also highlighted UFC’s global reach and variety of fighting styles.
Final Thoughts
UFC 310: Pantoja vs Asakura stands out as a definitive example of what makes MMA — and the UFC in particular — thrilling and unpredictable. With title fights, mix of veterans and newbies, finishing skills rewarded, and a global roster on display, the event encapsulated much of what draws fans worldwide.
For aspiring fighters, casual fans, or those new to MMA, UFC 310 offers a compelling blueprint: talent, preparation, and readiness to seize opportunity — whether you’re fighting for gold or stepping up on the prelims.
As UFC continues evolving in 2025 and beyond, UFC 310 serves as a reminder: every bout matters — and sometimes, the most memorable moments come when titles, stories, and raw skill collide inside the Octagon.
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