UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja says Kai Asakura's viral RIZIN highlight reel was enough to warrant a UFC title shot for his debut.
Alexandre Pantoja will face a new challenge in the form of Kai Asakura in the UFC 310 main event. In his latest UFC flyweight title defense, Pantoja welcomes former RIZIN superstar Asakura to the Octagon in what could be an instant classic in flyweight history.
Asakura's unprecedented UFC title shot is historic for several reasons. He becomes only the 24th fighter in UFC history to make a promotional debut in a championship fight, and if he wins this weekend he will be the first to win a title in his first UFC appearance.
Some were surprised that Asakura was immediately given a UFC flyweight title and a huge platform for his debut. But for Pantoja, after seeing Asakura's wild RIZIN highlight role, the Japanese star presented perhaps the toughest on-paper challenge of his career.
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Alexandre Pantoja: Kai Asakura deserved a title shot after I watched his RIZIN film
During his press conference at UFC 310 media day, Pantoja was asked if he would give Asakura the green light for a historic title shot in his debut.
“I started paying more attention to him: 'Who is this guy, who can beat Kyoji because Kyoji is so good?'” Pantoja explained. “I realized I have a really good fighter to fight against. I started studying him more, and I see he fought Manel Kape. He won once and lost once. He fought Ulka Sasaki. I've fought the same guy before. Good coincidence, and I'm so happy [about] that fight.
“It makes that like a crossover. It has opened doors for many good fighters around the world. You have so many good promotions, but of course everyone wants the title in the UFC.” (h/t MMA News)
Before signing with the UFC, Asakura won the RIZIN bantamweight title twice, including a vicious knockout of former Bellator titleholder Juan Archuleta last December. During his RIZIN stint, Asakura recorded five first-round knockout victories, including by football kick against Hiromasa Ougikubo at Rizin 23.
But Asakura lost by knockout to a fighter who easily defeated Pantoja earlier in their career. Asakura's fast attack, especially in the early rounds, has left him susceptible to heavy blows.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Alexandre Pantoja looks to spoil Kai Asakura's UFC debut in final UFC PPV main event of the year
Despite Asakura's magnetic machinations, Pantoja has proven to be one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world during his six-fight winning streak. After winning the title from Brandon Moreno at UFC 290, he successfully defended the title against Brandon Royval and Steve Erceg.
UFC 310 will be Pantoja's second UFC main event in 2024, after facing Erceg in the UFC 301 main event. He won by unanimous decision in one of the exciting matchups of the year.
Although Pantoja vs. With Asakura not getting the PPV pop like other matchups have done this year, it could potentially crush pre-fight expectations. Pantoja is preparing for another explosive show from Asakura, but whether he will be successful with that approach remains to be seen.
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