To obtain or secure something, often in a casual or lucky way

Can Kai Asakura dethrone the unstoppable Alexandre Pantoja in his UFC debut and claim the flyweight title? The stakes are high, and the battle is set to be a fight for the ages. Speed, power, and grit collide in this epic showdown—who will come out on top? Don’t miss out on the ultimate clash of styles at UFC 310.

Unbreakable Durability:

Over 33 professional fights, Pantoja has never been finished. This is remarkable for a fighter who often embraces a chaotic striking game. Despite being reckless at times on the feet, Pantoja’s resilience has allowed him to survive numerous close calls, earning wins over top-ranked opponents like Brandon Moreno, Brandon Royval, Manel Kape, and Steve Erceg. Even more impressive is that Pantoja has only been dropped once in his career, showcasing his unshakable heart and durability in tough situations.

Masterful Grappling:

Pantoja’s grappling is what truly sets him apart. Widely considered to have the best grappling in the flyweight division, much of his title success has come from dominating opponents on the ground. Pantoja excels in securing takedowns and maintaining control in dominant positions. His ability to neutralize scramblers and impose his will on the mat has been evident in his bouts against Brandon Moreno and Brandon Royval, who struggled to escape his control.

Against Asakura, Pantoja’s approach should be simple: score takedowns, maintain control, and avoid getting too aggressive on the feet. Asakura has vulnerabilities in his grappling game, as shown by Hiromasa Ougikubo’s victory over him and Juan Archuleta‘s success before a knee injury. If Pantoja can execute this strategy, he should retain his title.

Asakura’s Path to Victory: Capitalize on Speed and Aggression

Kai Asakura may be making his UFC debut, but his experience in top promotions like RIZIN makes him a dangerous contender. To dethrone Pantoja, Asakura needs to capitalize on his speed, striking precision, and overall aggression while avoiding being controlled on the ground.

1. Speed and Striking Power:

Asakura is known for his explosive speed and powerful striking. His ability to close distance quickly and land devastating strikes makes him a significant threat on the feet. Pantoja, while tough, can be reckless in exchanges, leaving openings for Asakura to land his powerful counters. The key for Asakura is to maintain a fast pace, use his speed to outmaneuver Pantoja, and avoid prolonged clinches or takedown attempts.

2. Defensive Grappling and Takedown Defense:

Though Pantoja is a master grappler, Asakura’s path to victory relies on his ability to keep the fight standing. Asakura has shown improvements in his defensive wrestling and has faced grapplers before. If he can stuff Pantoja’s takedowns and avoid being taken down, Asakura can keep the fight in his striking range where he’s most dangerous. Essentially, Asakura needs to avoid getting trapped on the mat and prevent Pantoja from gaining control.

Conclusion: A Battle of Styles at UFC 310

While Pantoja holds a clear advantage in grappling, Asakura‘s speed, power, and potential to frustrate Pantoja on the feet make this an exciting matchup. The fight will ultimately come down to which fighter can impose their game plan. Pantoja needs to secure takedowns and maintain control on the mat, while Asakura must use his speed and striking to avoid being overwhelmed. As both men step into the octagon, UFC 310 promises to deliver an explosive battle that could redefine the future of the flyweight division.