Alexandre Pantoja is quickly becoming one of the most respected champions in UFC history.
The reigning flyweight king retained his title in emphatic fashion on Saturday, needing less than two rounds to submit challenger and UFC newcomer Kai Asakura in the main event of UFC 310. Despite Asakura showing off the electric striking style that made him a star in Japan’s RIZIN promotion, Pantoja was able to absorb Asakura’s best strikes and eventually take the fight to the ground where the octagon debutant was overwhelmed.
That’s three straight title defenses now for Pantoja, who has also won his past seven fights, a run that includes wins over the likes of Asakura, Brandon Royval, Brandon Moreno, Alex Perez, and Manel Kape. Pantoja’s peers were effusive in their praise for the flyweight champion, with Aljamain Sterling calling him a “beast” and Vince Morales calling him a “monster.”
It wasn’t all positive though, as Derek Brunson had more to say about Asakura’s shortcomings than Pantoja’s triumph.
“Y’all over hyped this one for real!!!” Brunson tweeted.
See more social media reactions from the MMA community below.
Y’all over hyped this one for real !!! #UFC310
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) December 8, 2024
Pantoja is a beast!
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) December 8, 2024
Gutted for Kai, damn. Pantoja a monster.
— Vince Morales (@vandetta135) December 8, 2024
Another great title defense for Pantoja #UFC310
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) December 8, 2024
Kai belongs all I can say Pantoja to solid on the back great fight
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) December 8, 2024
Asakura is so dangerous on the feet but Pantoja is so good at getting to the clinch with strikes and just too clean with his grappling. So fun to watch him fight. #ufc310
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) December 8, 2024
How many Rizin champs have there been in UFC?
How many LFA games?
Ok … one day yal gon listen to me.
Anyone can get the opportunity.
It’s Levels. Pantoja is that good!!— Charles “InnerG” Johnson (@innerGmma_ufc) December 8, 2024
— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) December 8, 2024
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