Tag: Kai Asakura

UFC 310 is now only a couple of days away, and what better way to get hyped for the upcoming pay-per-view than with some MMA News staff predictions?

The event will be available exclusively on ESPN+ pay-per-view on Saturday, December 7, 2024. The main card begins at 10 PM ET, while the preliminary card kicks off at 6 PM ET.

The main event will see flyweight kingpin Alexandre Pantoja defend his title for the third time since capturing it at the expense of Brandon Moreno 16 months ago. To continue his reign, “The Cannibal” is tasked with spoiling the ambitions of incoming ex-Rizin champion Kai Asakura.

Co-headlining will be top welterweight contender Shavkat Rakhmonov, who will look to maintain his status as next in line for a shot at Belal Muhammad by defeating a fellow undefeated name at 170 pounds in Ian Garry.

Elsewhere on the card, top heavyweights Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov run it back, Movsar Evloev and Aljamain Sterling look to stake their claim for a featherweight title shot, and light heavyweight veterans Dominick Reyes and Anthony Smith collide.

UFC 310: MMA News Staff Predictions

Ahead of Saturday’s UFC 310 event, Kyle Dimond, Ryan Jarrell, Thomas Albano, Pranav Pandey, and Andrew Starc have provided their picks for the five most important matchups set for the card.

Below, you can check out the current leaderboard through nine cards.

1. Thomas Albano (34-10)
2. Ryan Jarrell (29-15) 
3. Kyle Dimond (26-18)
4. Pranav Pandey (17-8)
5. Andrew Starc (13-11)
6. Aakrit Sharma (12-8)

And with that, it’s time for the team’s predictions for UFC 310.

Bantamweight: Movsar Evloev vs. Aljamain Sterling

Kyle Dimond: I think Sterling has a pretty good counter-wrestling game, even if he hasn’t dealt with this particular style before. His striking should make it hard for Evloev to time takedowns because Sterling doesn’t overcommit. Neither are known for landing damage, and though I don’t expect Sterling to cause him problems on the feet like Arnold Allen did, his output is going to be big in this fight because it might be the only thing that separates them.

The former bantamweight champion shouldn’t have an issue getting up to his feet over and over again either due to his training with Merab Dvalishvili. I’ve not seen anything from Evloev that makes me think he will make the most of the grappling exchanges that he does initiate, so I can see Sterling winning a fight that probably won’t do amazing things for both men’s public perception. (Prediction: Aljamain Sterling)

Ryan Jarrell: This is such an intriguing matchup between an undefeated fighter and a former champion. Evloev has the potential to be a future champion himself, and a win over Sterling would get him extremely close to a title shot. After seeing the Russian beat the likes of Diego Lopes and Allen, I feel confident he will find a way to get past Sterling as well. I wish this was a five-round fight, and we may be left with more questions that aren’t answered when this clash ends. But I see Evloev winning a decision over a very game Sterling. (Prediction: Movsar Evloev)

Thomas Albano: Sterling was given a test in his featherweight debut at UFC 300, and he passed it with flying colors by securing a solid decision win over Calvin Kattar. But now, he gets a jump up in competition against an undefeated rising star who finds himself a fight or two away from securing a title shot at 145 pounds in Evloev. Though he’s only fought at about a once-a-year pace the last few years, Evloev has fended off tests in his most recent fights, from a short-notice and hungry Diego Lopes who troubled him in their fight to another contending name in the division in Allen.

I lean with Evloev either way that this fight plays out. Since we’ve got two great wrestlers here, you could ultimately see them start to have a striking battle during this fight – in which case, I feel Evloev has the better repertoire. If this fight goes to the ground, I think the Russian will be able to hold his own despite Sterling’s experience. (Prediction: Movsar Evloev)

Pranav Pandey: Grappling enthusiasts, get ready! This is a clash that showcases the best of ground combat in the featherweight division. While Evloev is widely regarded as the favorite in this bout, I believe it’s a disservice to count out “Funk Master.” If the former bantamweight champion can keep the action standing, he’ll undoubtedly boost his chances against the undefeated Russian, who has yet to finish an opponent in his eight UFC appearances. Even if Evloev does manage to take the fight to the canvas, Sterling’s experience and resilience should not be underestimated. The seasoned veteran has proven time and again that he can escape submission threats and work his way through adversity. (Prediction: Aljamain Sterling)

Andrew Starc: This is an intriguing battle between two strong grapplers. The undefeated Evloev is coming off a decision win over Allen in January, while Sterling most recently got it done on the cards against Calvin Kattar in April. I think this will be a close encounter, but Evloev will show his superior wrestling in this matchup to get a decision. (Prediction: Movsar Evloev) 

Consensus: 3-2 Movsar Evloev

Light Heavyweight: Anthony Smith vs. Dominick Reyes

Kyle Dimond: It really doesn’t feel that long ago that this would have been a title eliminator. Time flies I suppose. I’m picking Reyes here, and it very much might be a case of what have you done for me lately. It’s probably going to be a striking match, and though I think Smith is probably more powerful, I think Reyes is the better technician. So if he can avoid getting into a brawl, he should win a lot of the exchanges. (Prediction: Dominick Reyes)

Ryan Jarrell: Reyes made a huge statement in his most recent win over Dustin Jacoby. The 34-year-old picked up his first win since he beat Chris Weidman in 2019, which is so crazy to think about. But in beating “The Hanyak,” he fully cemented himself in the mix again at 205 pounds. Smith, meanwhile, is a very different and much older fighter than the “Lionheart” we saw even a couple of short years ago. I don’t expect Smith to be able to have an answer for the striking of Reyes. Ultimately, “The Devastator” will clip his fellow former title challenger and find a TKO finish. (Prediction: Dominick Reyes)

Thomas Albano: It breaks my heart to see the two of these guys fighting in the conditions of their careers that they’re in right now. Reyes was once a rising star in the light heavyweight division who found himself one win away from the light heavyweight championship on more than one occasion. Smith, meanwhile, had a career surge at the same time Reyes was rising up, coming up short in a fight against Jon Jones. Starting from his own loss to Jones, Reyes dropped four straight between 2020 and 2022, finally breaking that skid (and inactivity) with a two-minute knockout of Jacoby in June. Smith, on the other hand, has been on a rollercoaster since that loss to Jones. He’s lost four of his last six – granted that came against competition like recent title challenger Khalil Rountree and anticipated next challenger Magomed Ankalaev.

This is a fight where, if I’m a betting man, I’m honestly staying away, with not as much confidence in this pick compared to the other fights on this card. I have questions about both men’s chins. That said, I can see Reyes using leg kicks, which has troubled Smith before, to his advantage and setting up for a finish. (Prediction: Dominick Reyes)

Pranav Pandey: With all due respect, both fighters seem to have passed their primes, with Smith in particular having spent a long time in the game. That being said, it would be a mistake to write him off entirely. Despite the wear and tear of his career, “Lionheart” has continually proven that he truly lives up to his moniker. I have no personal animosity toward “The Devastator,” but I do have
reservations about his ability to absorb damage, especially considering his recent performances. Additionally, he lacks experience in the Octagon compared to Smith. With that in mind, I foresee this bout swinging in “Lionheart’s” favor. (Prediction: Anthony Smith)

Andrew Starc: It was heartening to see Reyes snap his losing streak by knocking out Jacoby in June, and while his chin may be very suspect now, I think he matches up well against Smith. “Lionheart’s” record has been very patchy over the last few years, and I don’t think he has the KO power to trouble Reyes. I’m predicting a finish for “The Devastator” here. (Prediction: Dominick Reyes) 

Consensus: 4-1 Dominick Reyes

Heavyweight: Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov

Kyle Dimond: Volkov has looked great as of late, but in his first fight with Ciryl Gane, it really seemed like he had no answers for “Bon Gamin.” The Russian has shown lately what makes him so good but he’s done so against fairly stationary opponents, and Gane is anything but that. I’d like to see “Drago” really try and put a pace on Gane to make him work, but I just think the Frenchman’s movement is going to be too much and he’s going to potshot away at Volkov before getting his hand raised. (Prediction: Ciryl Gane)

Ryan Jarrell: These two giants first met in 2021 and Gane won by decision rather handily. Since that main event fight at the UFC Apex, the Frenchman has won three out of his last five fights. Keep in mind those two losses were to Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou. I don’t think we will see a very different fight this time around either. Gane is a master on the feet, and unless you are the absolute best in the world, he will more than likely outpoint you. (Prediction: Ciryl Gane)

Thomas Albano: Gane cruised to a one-sided decision win when these two faced off for the first time over three years ago. Since then, Volkov has given himself a bit of a renaissance of sorts, winning five of his six fights since (his sole loss coming against Tom Aspinall). Gane, meanwhile, will be competing in his first fight in over a year, having not fought since his September 2023 finish of Serghei Spivac.
Despite the Russian’s resurgence, I don’t see how this fight plays out too different from their first. Volkov may win a round, but I still see the Frenchman as the quicker, more athletic, more well-rounded fighter. (Prediction: Ciryl Gane)

Pranav Pandey: Frankly, this rematch fails to stir much enthusiasm. After witnessing their first encounter back in June 2021, it’s clear that Gane and Volkov are closely matched, both capable of exchanging heavy strikes with precision. If their striking doesn’t yield immediate results, don’t be surprised if either fighter looks to implement takedowns. I think, “Bon Gamin” possesses a more polished skill set compared to the Russian, who enters the rematch riding a wave of momentum of four straight wins. However, that momentum may not be enough to help him even the score with Gane. (Prediction: Ciryl Gane)

Andrew Starc: Gane seemed to comfortably coast to victory when he met Volkov in 2021, but the Russian has since had a resurgence. He’s on a four-fight win streak, having beaten Sergei Pavlovich in June, while Gane hasn’t fought in over a year since he beat Spivac via TKO. While the Frenchman’s inactivity may work against him in this matchup, I still think he’ll be too quick and evasive for Volkov and get a decision win here. (Prediction: Ciryl Gane) 

Consensus: 5-0 Ciryl Gane

Welterweight: Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Ian Garry

Kyle Dimond: What happens in training stays in training and, hey, it’s not a real fight… but, Rakhmonov said that he submitted Garry at Kill Cliff FC for a reason. The Irishman has clearly been working on his jiu-jitsu since then. I mean he’s literally got Charles Oliveira in his corner, but I think that it still might be his Achilles heel in this fight. He can do a great job of chipping away at “Nomad” and staying out of the way, but doing that for five rounds will be so tough, and Rakhmonov doesn’t get discouraged. Adesanya vs. Du Plessis style, I think once the fight hits the later rounds, Rakhmonov will be able to secure an opportunistic submission. (Prediction: Shavkat Rakhmonov)

Ryan Jarrell: This is the fight I am most excited to see on the whole card. Garry is a very polarizing guy to say the least. He has proven to be one of the best in the division, but beating the boogeyman of the weight class might be where he finally falls short. I love the fact that the UFC made this a five-round co-main event because three frames would not be enough for what should be Fight of the Night.

In the end, I expect Rakhmonov to have the bigger moments and utilize his grappling to secure rounds when things get a little too chaotic. Give me the Kazakh standout to win by decision and finally get the title shot he deserves. (Prediction: Shavkat Rakhmonov)

Thomas Albano: I feel for Rakhmonov here – going from main eventing this card, one win away from securing the UFC welterweight title, to co-main eventing and now needing to fend off another undefeated contender to just keep that shot intact. For Garry, meanwhile, this is a short-notice opportunity that he rightfully needed to take full advantage of. Having said that, this might be a case of too much, too soon for the Irish rising star.

I feel Rakhmonov will have a little extra fire under him after seeing the title shot slip out of his grasp, needing a win to reclaim it. And while it might be an unpopular opinion, I feel Garry’s three most recent wins against Neil Magny, Geoff Neal, and Michael “Venom” Page were missing something. Ultimately, “Nomad’s” key to success is going to be to get inside and grab a hold of Garry, dictating the fight from the clinch and on the ground. The Irishman, meanwhile, is going to want to use his reach and fight from range, keeping away from Rakhmonov and landing from a distance. I’ll lean toward the former happening, even if Garry will make it a tougher, grindier fight for the Kazakh fighter. (Prediction: Shavkat Rakhmonov)

Pranav Pandey: In my view, this is a remarkably balanced matchup, one that promises fireworks for the fans. The odds may not fully capture the true potential of this fight, as both fighters bring a wealth of skill. What makes this encounter even more intriguing is their shared history. Having trained together in the past, Rakhmonov and Garry are intimately familiar with each other’s strengths and
weaknesses. One thing is certain — both fighters are certainly vulnerable to strikes, yet each possesses an impressive ability to absorb them and keep pushing forward. Their fighting styles are distinct and unique in their own right. While “Nomad” boasts grappling skills that are truly elite, Garry counters with takedown defense that’s nothing short of relentless. On the feet, “The Future” is known for his sharp,
precise striking, but Rakhmonov’s movement and fluidity allow him to navigate the distance with grace.

With both Rakhmonov and Garry putting their undefeated records on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher, especially with title implications attached. I believe “Nomad” will emerge victorious, maintaining his perfect finish rate, but it’s unlikely to come easily. (Prediction: Shavkat Rakhmonov)

Andrew Starc: I think this one will come down to Garry’s ability to stave off takedowns from Rakhmonov. The Irishman will likely have the edge on the feet, and while Rakhmonov is known for his submissions, he also has a number of KOs on his resume. Over five rounds, I think it’s unlikely “The Future” will be able to hurt the durable Rakhmonov and curtail his relentless pressure. I think the Kazakh will get a submission here. (Prediction: Shavkat Rakhmonov) 

Consensus: 5-0 Shavkat Rakhmonov

UFC Flyweight Title: Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Asakura

Kyle Dimond: Everything about this fight pushes me toward Pantoja but I am a combat sports romantic at my core. If you were going to pick a fighter to beat Asakura on his debut, you’d want someone who is excellent on the ground and is a nightmare to get out of there. However, the Brazilian has been known to get a little reckless on the feet. I would love to see Asakura become a huge star for the UFC, he has that aura about him. I think he’s going to have to battle through some tough rounds early on but if he can get Pantoja to trade with him once the champ feels confident, he’s so much more dangerous than his previous opponents. History awaits Asakura. (Prediction: Kai Asakura)

Ryan Jarrell: I must admit that I haven’t seen nearly as much tape of Asakura as I have of the current UFC flyweight champion. I did my homework and it’s clear that the former Rizin titleholder is the real deal. But let’s be honest, there is a giant jump coming from another promotion to the UFC.

Pantoja has been fighting the absolute best in the world every single fight, and his experience in high-level matchups will serve him well in this scrap. I see “The Cannibal” overcoming some early adversity from a tough debuting title challenger and winning judges scorecards. (Prediction: Alexandre Pantoja)

Thomas Albano: You can talk about how Asakura receiving a title shot in his UFC debut might be because no one else in the flyweight division has stood out enough to lock in a title shot. But I think that downplays the highlights and accomplishments that he’s had in Rizin. Asakura has plenty of power behind his strikes and is a known finisher throughout his career thus far. What will be interesting to see is how he manages himself at 125 pounds. He’s fought in the weight class before, but his main success came at 135 pounds.

Over the last few years, of course, Pantoja has come into his own. He’s fought in some of the UFC’s closest and most competitive fights within the last couple of years and has turned away some of the best competition currently at flyweight. He’s already solidified himself as the UFC’s 125-pound king, and his impact inside the Octagon will only increase with a win over Asakura. Though the Japanese newcomer is solid with his striking, I see Pantoja still as the better all-around performer, especially if this fight goes to the ground. I lean toward the champ here. (Prediction: Alexandre Pantoja)

Pranav Pandey: I think this matchup has all the makings of an unpredictable barnburner. Pantoja thrives in the chaos of an all-out brawl. His relentless pressure is a hallmark of his fighting style, one that leaves no room for breathing space as he hounds his opponents throughout the full 25 minutes. While “The Cannibal’s” striking and stand-up game are his primary weapons, the Brazilian champion is
far from a one-dimensional fighter. He’s a seasoned veteran of the sport, fluid and adaptable, capable of taking the fight to any terrain. On the flip side, we have Asakura, a fighter who has faced considerable scrutiny from a portion of fans for securing a title shot in his promotional debut. Despite the controversy, the Japanese sensation’s record and his explosive ability to overwhelm opponents speak volumes about the hype surrounding him — and I must admit, I’m inclined to buy into it. However, Asakura’s path to pulling off an upset in his first Octagon appearance is far from straightforward.

There are several significant hurdles. For one, he’s never competed in a five-round fight, while Pantoja has honed his endurance in
championship bouts. Additionally, Asakura will be cutting down to an unfamiliar weight class — a move that could have a profound impact on his performance, especially if the fight extends past the third round. All things considered, this fight won’t be an easy puzzle for either fighter to solve. However, I believe that if “The Cannibal” can weather Asakura’s early storm of power strikes, his experience will become the deciding factor. Once he takes control of the pace, it will be hard to imagine the Japanese fighter staying afloat. (Prediction: Alexandre Pantoja)

Andrew Starc: At 34 years old, Pantoja is now getting up there in age, but he’s on a six-fight win streak that’s seen him overcome the flyweight division’s best. The Brazilian is good on the feet and the ground, and while Asakura could threaten with his KO power, I expect Pantoja’s experience and all-round skills will determine this matchup. I think the pressure of making his UFC in a title fight will be too much for Asakura. (Prediction: Alexandre Pantoja) 

Consensus: 4-1 Alexandre Pantoja

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That’ll do it for our UFC 310 staff picks! What do you think? Do your picks look similar? Let us know in the comments section! Also, you can check out the full UFC 310 card below.

Main Card:

• Flyweight Championship Main Event: Alexandre Pantoja (C) vs. Kai Asakura
• Welterweight Co-Main Event: Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Ian Garry
• Heavyweight: Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov
• Featherweight: Bryce Mitchell vs. Kron Gracie
• Featherweight: Nate Landwehr vs. Dooho Choi

Preliminary Card:

• Light Heavyweight: Anthony Smith vs. Dominick Reyes
• Welterweight: Vicente Luque vs. Themba Gorimbo
• Featherweight: Movsar Evloev vs. Aljamain Sterling
• Welterweight: Randy Brown vs. Bryan Battle

Early Preliminary Card:

• Middleweight: Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders
• Flyweight: Cody Durden vs. Joshua Van
• Welterweight: Michael Chiesa vs. Max Griffin
• Lightweight: Clay Guida vs. Chase Hooper
• Heavyweight: Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Łukasz Brzeski

Be sure to keep it right here on MMANews.com for all the results, highlights, and updates on UFC 310!