Kamaru Usman drops significantly in the Welterweight rankings

The UFC 310 event, held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the iconic T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, delivered an action-packed night, featuring some highly anticipated matchups. The headline fight saw Flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja go head-to-head with Kai Asakura from Japan. Pantoja put on a masterclass performance, dominating his opponent and securing a decisive victory. However, while Pantoja’s victory boosted his standing in the UFC rankings, it also coincided with a significant change in the Welterweight rankings, as Kamaru Usman saw his position fall.

Alexandre Pantoja’s Rise and Usman’s Fall

Alexandre Pantoja, known as “The Cannibal,” has long been a force to reckon with in the Flyweight division. Following his dominant win against Kai Asakura, Pantoja’s stock has risen dramatically. The victory not only solidified his claim as one of the top flyweights in the world but also earned him a **significant increase in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings. Pantoja moved up two spots, now sitting alongside Leon Edwards, the former Welterweight champion, which further reinforces his status as one of the premier fighters in the UFC.

In stark contrast, Kamaru Usman, the long-time UFC Welterweight champion, experienced a sharp decline in the rankings. Usman, who held the title for several years, had his dominance questioned following his loss to Leon Edwards in August 2024. After that bout, Usman struggled to regain the momentum that once made him one of the most feared fighters in the division. With the emergence of new contenders like Shavkat Rakhmonov, Gilbert Burns, and Belal Muhammad, Usman’s position in the Welterweight rankings has been jeopardized. His recent performances have raised doubts about whether he can continue to compete at the highest level.

Asakura’s UFC Debut and Usman’s Setback

While Pantoja‘s win elevated him, it was Kai Asakura‘s UFC debut that also made waves. Despite losing to Pantoja, Asakura managed to make an impressive debut, entering the Flyweight rankings at number 14, which is no small feat for a fighter with a 0-1 UFC record. Asakura, who is well-known in the Asian MMA scene, has plenty of time to make a comeback and prove himself in the UFC. His inclusion in the rankings serves as a reminder of the rising talent within the flyweight division, even in the face of a tough loss.

However, Usman’s setback serves as a wake-up call. The Welterweight division is arguably one of the most stacked in the UFC, with numerous fighters vying for the title. While Usman was once considered the dominant champion in the division, his inability to stay on top after his loss to Edwards and the surge of fresh challengers have left him in a precarious position. His loss to Edwards in March 2024 was followed by another setback in his return fight against Colby Covington. These developments have seen him slip down the rankings and left fans wondering if Usman will be able to reclaim his former glory.

What’s Next for Kamaru Usman?

For Kamaru Usman, the road to redemption is clear but challenging. His drop in the Welterweight rankings suggests that he will need a series of victories to prove he still has what it takes to be a top contender. Usman’s fall in the rankings is a stark reminder that in the UFC, the landscape is always changing, and no fighter, no matter how accomplished, is guaranteed a permanent spot at the top.

With the Welterweight division continuing to evolve, Usman’s future is uncertain. He will likely need to defeat top contenders such as Gilbert Burns, Shavkat Rakhmonov, or Belal Muhammad to earn another shot at the title. If Usman can rally and put together a series of dominant performances, he may still have the opportunity to challenge for the Welterweight title once again.

As for Alexandre Pantoja, his win only adds to the excitement in the Flyweight division, and fans will be closely watching his next moves as he looks to solidify his place among the UFC’s pound-for-pound elite. His victory over Asakura is just the beginning of what could be a remarkable run for the Brazilian champion.