We’re deep into UFC 310 fight week, meaning it was recently time for the fighters set to be in action on Dec. 7 to take to the stage and answer some questions.
Setting the stage for the UFC 310 headliners will be a crucial five-round contest at 170 pounds, with Shavkat Rakhmonov looking to defend his top contender status opposite a fellow undefeated rising star in Ian Garry.
Also on pay-per-view will be former interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane, who makes the walk for the first time in over 14 months to run it back with in-form Russian veteran Alexander Volkov. That’s in addition to featherweight grappling specialist Bryce Mitchell, who looks to bounce back from his brutal knockout loss to Josh Emmett last December by defeating the returning Kron Gracie.
The UFC 310 main card will open with the always entertaining Nate Landwehr, who will be back in the cage nine months on from a KO triumph over Jamall Emmers. To return to a win streak, “The Train” must prevent “Korean Superboy” Dooho Choi from accomplishing the same feat after the UFC Hall of Fame Fight Wing member recorded a first victory in eight years this past July.
As is customary during major fight weeks, the athletes took to the stage on Thursday for the UFC 310 pre-fight press conference. The latest edition saw Pantoja, Asakura, Rakhmonov, Garry, Gane and Volkov with mic in hand.
While he may be somewhat of an unknown quantity to the UFC community, Kai Asakura insists that won’t be the case following his debut performance this weekend.
After the welterweight kingpin’s withdrawal due to injury, Pantoja is the last champ standing this week. And his elevation to main event status will see a promotional newcomer enter the headline spotlight in his very first Octagon outing.
While the Japanese star has made a splash in his native Asia, much of the UFC fanbase appear unfamiliar with his game. That, Asakura says, will change soon enough.
During his appearance at UFC 310 media day on Wednesday, Asakura spoke about what the MMA masses can expect once the Octagon door closes behind him and Pantoja in a couple of days’ time.
“The UFC fans have never seen anybody like me fight before,” Asakura said. “I always aim to go for the KO finish, and I’m here to bring excitement back to the flyweight division.”
Asakura will look to prove those remarks correct come fight night at UFC 310. In the process, the Japanese debutant will hope to open a new chapter in the flyweight division.
Shavkat Rakhmonov enters UFC 310 brimming with confidence as he prepares for a five-round welterweight clash against Ian Garry.
The bout, now serving as the co-main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, was a shift from the original plan. Rakhmonov was initially slated to face UFC Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad but he withdrew from the fight due to injury, opening the door for Garry to step in.
The Kazakh star, boasting an undefeated 18-0 record with all his wins coming via finish, remains confident that his streak will continue on Saturday night. With that in mind, he was surprised by Garry’s bold prediction of securing a stoppage victory in “Sin City.”
“I don’t think that’s how it’s going to happen; I think he’s delusional,” Rakhmonov said at UFC 310 media day. “I think I’m going to beat him and get to my goal.”
While Rakhmonov respects Garry as a worthy opponent, he is hesitant to label him the toughest test of his career.
“We’ll see whether that’s true come fight night,” Rakhmonov added.
With the spotlight firmly on this co-main event, Rakhmonov looks to not only extend his perfect record but also solidify his place as the top contender in the welterweight division.
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.
Thomas Albano (34-10)
Ryan Jarrell (29-15)
Kyle Dimond (26-18)
Pranav Pandey (17-8)
Andrew Starc (13-11)
Aakrit Sharma (12-8)
And with that, it’s time for the team’s predictions for UFC 310.
Bantamweight: Movsar Evloev vs. Aljamain Sterling
Images: UFC.com
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
Images: UFC.com
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
Image: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC/UFC
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
Images: UFC.com
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
Images: UFC.com
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
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!
At UFC 310 this weekend, welterweight staple Vicente Luque will look to return to the win column by halting the winning streak of Themba Gorimbo. For the 33-fight veteran, defending his position in the rankings isn’t something that he’s used to but he was forced into this role in his last fight.
In Atlantic City this past March, Luque came up against Joaquin Buckley who was looking to build on his back-to-back wins by earning his biggest victory to date. “New Mansa” did exactly that by stopping the Brazilian in the second round for the first of three breakout wins for him in 2024.
During a recent interview with UFC.com ahead of his return in Las Vegas, Luque spoke about what he was able to learn and take from this fight and how that will benefit him against Gorimbo who has won his last four since losing his UFC debut.
“Against Buckley, that was the first time I was in that position, and it was a fight for me to understand that it’s different. It was good for me to face Buckley and live that before I fight Themba because now I know what kind of energy I have to have in there.”
He believes that unlike some of his recent matchups against the likes of Rafael dos Anjos, Geoff Neal and Belal Muhammad, he needed to bring a different mentality with him into the Buckley fight. In his opinion, in order to beat the rising and hungry contenders in his division, he needs to match the fire that they bring into the Octagon.
“Now when we’re fighting up-and-comers, I remember all the tenacity I brought into fights, and I’ve got to bring that back. Buckley woke me up to that.
“I’ve got to go in there and really want it more than them; not just come in here and think my technique and my experience is gonna be enough.”
UFC welterweight contender Ian Garry isn’t paying attention to what happened when he met upcoming opponent Shavkat Rakhmonov on the Kill Cliff FC mats.
While it will mark the Rakhmonov and Garry’s first time colliding inside the Octagon, they are familiar with one another owing to their brief time training under the same roof in Florida.
And as they prepare to reacquaint one another with their respective arsenals, much has been made of the Kazakh revealing he forced his Irish counterpart to tap to a choke in the gym.
During an interview with talkSPORT, Garry reacted to that remark, admitting it was true but dismissing any suggestion that it could matter leading up to their clash on Dec. 7.
“Look, if he’s hanging on to something like that from training two or three years ago, then guess what? Do it on Saturday night,” Garry said. “Do it underneath the bright lights. Do it when it matters most. Let’s see if he can do it.
“I promise you now, he is not ready for the speed and the beauty. He’s going to look at me and go, ‘Oh my god, this guy’s beautiful. What do I do?’ He’s going to be left speechless,” Garry continued. “He’s going to see how fast I move and go, ‘Wow, this kid’s special,’ and that’s all he’s going to think. … It’s training. If I told you about all the people I absolutely burned and choked in training, you would sit here and say I’m the best fighter in the world already.”
😤 "Let’s see if he can do it when it matters!"
🔥 "I'm a different beast!"@iangarrymma on rumours of getting choked out by Shavkat Rakhmonov
Garry will look to prove those comments correct come fight night in “Sin City.”
His third outing of this year, following triumphs over Geoff Neal and Michael “Venom” Page goes down in the UFC 310 co-main event, with Alexandre Pantoja headlining in defense of his flyweight title opposite newcomer Kai Asakura.
Undefeated UFC featherweight contender Movsar Evloev couldn’t care less whether he makes the walk at the start or end of a fight card.
Evloev is set for a crucial outing this weekend at UFC 310, where he looks to stake his claim for a first shot at gold on MMA’s biggest stage at the expense of former bantamweight kingpin Aljamain Sterling.
The Russian opened his account for 2024 by getting the better of Arnold Allen in Canada this past January. The result pushed him into the top five at 145 pounds and left him 8-0 since joining the UFC from M-1 Global in 2019.
But he’s come under fire for failing to find a finish in his UFC tenure to date, and Dana White’s reaction to his latest win would suggest Evloev isn’t Mr. Popular among the promotional higher-ups.
That’s perhaps contributed to the controversial decision to place Evloev’s clash with Sterling — another whose entertainment value has been called into question by some — on Saturday’s preliminary card.
Guys my fight will be broadcasted on ESPN, way more people will watch my fight than on the PPV, I don’t even care if I’m the first fight of the night, I get paid the same. All my life I worked hard to earn thing nothing was ever given to me
“Guys my fight will be broadcasted on ESPN, way more people will watch my fight than on the PPV, I don’t even care if I’m the first fight of the night, I get paid the same,” Evloev wrote on X. “All my life I worked hard to earn thing nothing was ever given to me”
Regardless of their position on the lineup, both Evloev and Sterling will be looking to put themselves among the night’s biggest winners by extending their respective unbeaten featherweight records. “Funk Master” is 1-0 in the division, having gotten the better of Calvin Kattar on debut this past April.
The Irishman was originally slated to return in the main event of next weekend’s UFC Fight Night in Tampa against Joaquin Buckley. But with champ Belal Muhammad being forced out of his defense against “Nomad” in Las Vegas, “The Future” has stepped up for a title eliminator.
That, however, hasn’t stopped one of the sport’s best backing the Dublin native to get the job done at Rakhmonov’s expense.
During a recent video uploaded to his FREESTYLEBENDER YouTube channel, Adesanya broke down this weekend’s numbered event at T-Mobile Arena.
“The Last Stylebender” gave a particularly thorough breakdown for the co-main event, which is arguably set to be the night’s most anticipated matchup.
And when it comes to his prediction, Adesanya is expecting Garry’s technical striking and underrated grappling to pave the way for an upset over Rakhmonov.
“Shavkat, he’s a mauler. … Ian, second Irish sensation,” Adesanya said. “I grappled with him (Garry), he’s a good grappler…he’s slick. He knows how to put things together well. You watch his striking, his distance, his awareness. … That’s where he’s going to have an advantage in this fight.
“I think he’s going to be able to touch Shavkat. But he’s got to be careful,” Adesanya continued. “Use that jab, use the teep, keep Shavkat away. … For me, I like this fight. I’mma go with Ian Garry. I think it’s going to go to a decision. … There was something he (Garry) was saying. I saw a clip of him at a press conference talking about Shavkat, talking about, ‘I want to be the guy to take that 0 away.’ That’s the energy. That’s that Goku spirit very few people have.”
Garry will look to prove Adesanya’s assessment correct come fight night in “Sin City,” when he and his former training partner Rakhmonov feature on a PPV main card that will be topped by Alexandre Pantoja’s latest flyweight title defense.
UFC flyweight title challenger Kai Asakura doesn’t envision Alexandre Pantoja posing problems for him in any department this weekend.
Asakura will join the rare group of fighters to challenge for gold in their Octagon debut when he arrives on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage this Saturday night.
Following bantamweight championship success under the Rizin banner in Asia, the Japanese star will have the chance to add the UFC flyweight belt to his trophy cabinet in the UFC 310 main event.
Asakura is coming up against a divisional kingpin who has gone 9-0 against names currently occupying spots inside the top 10 at 125 pounds. And since dethroning Brandon Moreno last year, Alexandre Pantoja has already pushed past challenges from Brandon Royval and Steve Erceg.
But judging by his remarks during an interview with E. Spencer Kyte for UFC.com, Asakura is seemingly expecting a relatively comfortable night at the office…
“Pantoja is great at everything, but he’s not special at anything; he doesn’t have a unique skill in one area that makes him better than anyone else,” Asakura said. “What makes him better than anyone else is his heart — he’s got great heart, and that’s what makes him a great champion.
“But I don’t see him representing any problems for me anywhere. He’s someone I don’t think I’ll have any problem dealing with,” Asakura continued. “The advantage I hold over Pantoja is that I have one-shot knockout power, so it only takes one shot,” he added. “And I’m expecting this fight to be over with one shot.”
Asakura will look to prove his assessment of Pantoja correct come fight night in “Sin City,” where the pair headline a pay-per-view lineup that also features the likes of Shavkat Rakhmonov, Ian Garry, Ciryl Gane, Bryce Mitchell, Aljamain Sterling and Chris Weidman.
Ready to put on a performance for his fans and he's happy to be in Las Vegas!@Kai_1031_ is ready for #UFC310
Ian Machado Garry put his money where his mouth is in the lead up to UFC 310. The undefeated welterweight has been calling out all the names that are ranked ahead of him but when none of them would take the fight, he agreed to face Joaquin Buckley on December 14.
His decision to take this matchup came with one other promise to the UFC, that he would be ready to step in if either of the men involved in the UFC 310 main event were forced to withdraw. With the welterweight champion Belal Muhammad out of the fight, Garry proved to be a man of his word and he will now face Shavkat Rakhmonov in the co-main event this weekend.
Calling opponents out for avoiding him is one thing but agreeing to face the man that everyone sees as the boogeyman of the division really shows that Garry backs himself against any and all of his fellow welterweights. In fact, he already believes that he’s overcome the toughest style clash for him.
In a recent video on his YouTube channel, the 27-year old answered some questions from the fans. One of which asked him who he believes is the toughest style matchup for him in the division.
Though many would assume that a grappling-heavy fighter might be his biggest challenge as an excellent striker, he responded by naming an opponent that he has already beaten. In February, he won 30-27 on two of the judges scorecards at UFC 298 to earn his seventh consecutive win inside the Octagon.
“I believe I’ve already fought him, his name is Geoff Neal. Someone who hits like a truck, has clean striking, very hard to take down. So I believe that he was one of the dark horses in the division and I went out there and I beat him clean, so for me that’s it.”
The final UFC PPV card of the year is a strong one from top to bottom so whilst we may have lost some names towards the top of the card, there is still lots to be excited about this Saturday. However, some fans and fighters have questioned the bout order for UFC 310.
One fight in particular has been targeted, that being the featherweight contest between Bryce Mitchell and Kron Gracie. Of course, it’s not their fault that they have been given this position on the card but some did take issue with this for several reasons.
Gracie hasn’t fought since May of 2023 where he returned from a four-year break and suffered his second consecutive loss. Mitchell, on the other hand, is ranked #13 in the division having suffered a devastating knockout loss to Josh Emmett in December last year at UFC 296.
There are plenty of big names and strong match-ups on the prelims that could have taken this slot but none are as fitting as the fight between top 10 contenders which takes place in the very same weight class. Former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling will look to halt the undefeated run of Movsar Evloev with both men having a case for a title shot if they get their hand raised.
In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Gracie responded to the criticism of his fight featuring on the PPV portion of the card.
“I think it’s funny because the people always have something to say and it’s interesting that people who would complain about something like that are probably the people who are not even paying for the PPV. They’re streaming it for free, they’re stealing the PPV and they’re the ones complaining about where the fight is. If anything, it’s a free fight for the fans that they get to watch sooner. I don’t see why it’s such a big deal.”
“I think that the placement of the fight is not the most important thing and I don’t care where I’m at on the card, the sooner the better really. I get to go on with my life after that so. Obviously the UFC knows what they’re doing and they’re in the business of making fights and matchmaking so no one does it better than them. I’m sure they didn’t do this on spitefulness, I’m sure this is a business deal and it is what it is.”
Ian Garry is setting his sights on a quick finish against Shavkat Rakhmonov in their upcoming showdown, with a strategy for making a lightning-fast return to the Octagon.
Garry is slated to face Rakhmonov in a crucial five-round welterweight clash that s expected to determine the next title challenger. This highly anticipated showdown is set as the co-main event of UFC 310, taking place on Dec. 7 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“The Future” was never part of the original lineup to co-headline the UFC’s final pay-per-view event of the year. Garry had been scheduled to face Joaquin Buckley at the UFC Fight Night in Tampa on Dec. 14. The Irishman stepped up on short notice when reigning 170-pound champion Belal Muhammad withdrew from his title defense against “Nomad” due to a bone infection.
Consequently, Colby Covington was enlisted as an eleventh-hour substitute to fill the void left by Garry’s departure, stepping in to face Buckley in a reshuffled matchup.
“Chaos” has been firmly on Garry’s radar for nearly a year, with both fighters sharing a simmering animosity that has only fueled their rivalry. This tension drives “The Future” to aim for a swift and injury-free victory over Rakhmonov this Saturday, paving the way for a hypothetical return the following weekend to finally settle the score with the former UFC interim champion.
During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Garry said that, following a possible victory over Rakhmonov, he plans to approach the UFC’s top brass with a bold request.
“Here is my ideal scenario,” Garry said. “I go out there Dec. 7 and I take out Shavkat early. I come out of there unscathed and uninjured. I get on the mic and say, ‘Hey, I could wait until next year when Belal Muhammad is back. Or… Dana [White], Hunter [Campbell], UFC, I could walk my ass all the way down to Florida, and I could beat the bollocks out of Colby Covington for 25 minutes, and I can prove how good I am next week.’
“I would love to beat Shavkat, and the following week fight in the main event in Tampa and bury Colby Covington and leave him dead and done in the Octagon, never to be seen again.”
Garry enters the UFC 310 bout on the heels of a dominant unanimous decision victory over Michael ‘Venom’ Page at UFC 303 this past June. The win marked his second triumph of the year and extended his impressive streak to eight consecutive victories inside the Octagon.
When it comes to achieving his ongoing goals in the UFC, welterweight Vicente Luque believes he’s in line to be better placed following the withdrawal of Nick Diaz.
Luque, a veteran contender who has slipped to #14 in the rankings following three losses in his last four fights, will make his return on the preliminary card of this weekend’s UFC 310 pay-per-view.
The Brazilian was originally slated to appear opposite Diaz, marking their second attempt at sharing the cage in 2024. The pair previously had a clash at the UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi this past August called off, with visa issues on the side of the Stockton native being branded the reason.
While fans and fighters alike express worry over Diaz’s status, Luque has a new foe in his sights. And although his new matchup isn’t quite as prominent following his high-profile opponent pulling out, “The Silent Assassin” sees a silver lining.
“Nick brought a lot of that hype from the fans,” Luque said during an interview with MMA Fighting. “When I look to the UFC, there are a lot of things that can push you over. Maybe the biggest of all is hype, and I think the Nick fight brought that. Now, when I look at this fight, from a sportive side, it makes way more sense.
“It’s a challenge, a good guy who is coming hungry for the victory, and he wants to enter the rankings,” Luque continued. “I’m here to defend my position and at the same time show I’m still going for the top, gunning to become champion. This fight brings that.”
Luque will now look to make the most of his opportunity to stall the rise of an in-form prospect and prove that he’s still got plenty to give toward the top of the standings at 170 pounds.
Ian Garry will be benefiting from Charles Oliveira’s expertise during his high-stakes bout on Saturday.
“The Future” is set to clash with fellow unbeaten star Shavkat Rakhmonov in a welterweight battle that could determine the next title contender. The five-round showdown will take the spotlight as the co-main event of UFC 310 on Dec. 7 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
With title implications hanging in the balance, Garry is sparing no effort in preparing for what is arguably the biggest fight of his career. To bolster his chances, the rising Irishman will have former UFC lightweight champion Oliveira in his corner this weekend.
During a recent Q&A video on his YouTube channel, “The Future” showered praise on “do Bronx,” his training partner at Brazil’s renowned Chute Boxe Academy. He also revealed that the Brazilian veteran will bring his wealth of knowledge to steer him through the highly anticipated bout against Rakhmonov.
“Charles ‘Do Bronx’ — man’s never been in an unentertaining fight. He’s an absolute savage. I love him, and he’s going to be in my corner for this fight.”
“The Future” was originally slated to headline the UFC Fight Night in Tampa on Dec. 14 against Joaquin Buckley. However, with reigning 170-pound champion Belal Muhammad withdrawing from the UFC 310 main event due to a bone infection, he swiftly answered the call to face Rakhmonov on short notice.
During the UFC 310 Countdown show, Garry mentioned that Kill Cliff FC head coach Henri Hooft relayed Rakhmonov’s view that the Irishman possesses championship potential, though he made it clear it wouldn’t be at the cost of his own goals.
“Me and Shavkat trained a lot together,” Garry said. “I think he’s a phenomenal fighter. Henri Hooft told me Shavkat Rakhmonov and him had a conversation, and he said ‘Shavkat knows you’re going to be the champion one day. But he says ‘Me first and him later.’ So. It’s unfortunate that one of us is going to have to lose. I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure that he’s not getting his hand raised.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCRcpPPERSA
“The Future” is riding high after securing a commanding unanimous decision win over Michael “Venom” Page at UFC 303 in June, pushing his perfect promotional record to 8-0.
Meanwhile, “Nomad” boasts an unblemished 6-0 streak in the UFC, making his comeback after more than a year away from the Octagon. His last appearance was a submission victory over Stephen Thompson at UFC 296 in December 2023.
Merab Dvalishvili is expecting a strong performance from his teammate Aljamain Sterling, as the former UFC bantamweight champion gears up for his second outing as a featherweight.
Following the end of his reign at 135 pounds last year — and after having his calls for a rematch with Sean O’Malley fall on deaf ears — Sterling committed to a long-discussed move up in weight.
And he debuted at 145 pounds in convincing fashion, comfortably outpointing veteran ranked contender Calvin Kattar across three rounds at UFC 300 in Las Vegas this past April.
After arriving in the featherweight top 10, Sterling’s sophomore appearance in the division at UFC 310 will come against an undefeated contender inside the top five, Russia’s Movsar Evloev.
Although he’ll enter the cage as a sizable underdog on Dec. 7, Sterling’s team is unsurprisingly confident of an upset.
During a video recently uploaded to Sterling’s YouTube channel, Dvalishvili spoke about “Funk Master’s” upcoming return, having once again been a part of the 35-year-old’s training camp.
The reigning bantamweight kingpin admitted struggling to hang with the featherweight contender on the mats. And with that in mind, he foresees Sterling ‘smashing’ the undefeated Evloev.
“Aljo feels really strong,” Dvalishvili said. “Now he did a bunch of rounds of jiu-jitsu too. He did two rounds with me. I couldn’t do anything. He was on top of me, controlled me, smashed me. That means that Aljo is going to smash his opponent – even though his opponent is really good.
“I have so much respect for Movsar Evloev, but that’s how the fight game is. The stronger guy wins,” Dvalishvili continued. “I’m very comfortable with Aljo because he’s focused and he feels really strong.”
Sterling will hope to prove Dvalishvili’s assessment correct come fight night in “Sin City,” where he’ll look to move past his disappointment at being placed on the prelims and deliver a statement-making performance at the expense of Evloev.
And should he succeed in that goal, a shot at Ilia Topuria’s featherweight gold and two-division glory could await the New York native in 2025.
Shavkat Rakhmonov enters UFC 310 brimming with confidence as he gears up for a five-round welterweight clash against Ian Garry.
The fight, set to take place this Saturday in the co-main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, was a shift from the original plan. Rakhmonov was initially slated to challenge Belal Muhammad, but the welterweight champion withdrew from the bout.
Rakhmonov has built an impeccable 18-0 professional record, with all of his victories coming via knockout or submission. His recent string of dominance includes three consecutive rear-naked choke victories over Neil Magny, Geoff Neal, and Stephen Thompson, solidifying his reputation as a relentless finisher in the welterweight division.
Speaking on the UFC 310 Countdown show, Rakhmonov reflected on his ongoing evolution as a fighter and his dedication to continuous improvement.
“I’ve been training at Kill Cliff gym for about three years,” Rakhmonov shared. “There are many fighters at my level, and the competition here is tougher. I think I have enough abilities, but I need to keep improving them. This sport doesn’t stand still, so it’s important to develop skills in all areas continuously. I aim to grow in every area: technique, grappling, and wrestling. In this weight class, I’m a problem for anyone.”
As Rakhmonov prepares to face another rising star in Garry, fans are eagerly anticipating a showdown that could further cement his status as one of the most dangerous contenders in the welterweight division.
It’s always exciting when the UFC signs a big name from another promotion and fight fans get to see how they stack up against the rest of the roster. In the case of Kai Asakura, things are a bit different to the other times that we have seen this happen in recent years.
For a start, unlike fighters like Kayla Harrison or Michael “Venom” Page, he’s going straight into a UFC title shot on his debut this weekend at UFC 310 where he challenges Alexandre Pantoja for the flyweight belt in the main event. The other notable difference is that Asakura didn’t become a champion in a promotion that is on a lot of US fans’ radars.
The 31-year old is a big name in Japan and though some of his wins in RIZIN have certainly put him on the global map, there are a lot of UFC fans who won’t have heard of him until he was signed to the promotion. In a recent interview with The Scrap, Mando Gutierrez looked to help provide some insight into what the title challenger is like and what fans can expect from him.
Gutierrez has been training alongside Asakura in his first UFC camp and he’s very excited to see what the new arrival will be capable of. He thinks that though the Japanese star has an impressive highlight reel from his time in RIZIN, he will be able to produce these kinds of finishes in the UFC also.
“Lighting in a bottle bro. Like he has true finishing capabilities. Super strong, super agile, fast as f*** and he cracks man. If there’s one thing I can guarantee you it’s that’s the hardest hitting 125’er on planet earth and I really believe it. Timing, precision, speed, power, all mixed into one just makes him the hardest f****** puncher there is.”
The Kazakh star was originally expecting his championship opportunity to come to fruition on Saturday night but an injury to Muhammad spoiled those plans. As a result, “Nomad” must now defend his status as top contender.
In “Remember the Name’s” place has stepped Garry, who was initially preparing to headline next weekend’s UFC Fight Night in Tampa against Joaquin Buckley. That booking evidently could have stayed together had one of three other names offered the Rakhmonov fight given positive responses.
During a recent appearance on Submission Radio, Rakhmonov claimed the UFC sent offers to three different names in the division — Kamaru Usman, Colby Covington, and Carlos Prates.
The undefeated welterweight said Usman accepted before backing out, Covington straight up rejected, and an injury prevented the rising Prates from getting a big chance to climb the ranks into title contention.
“I wanted to fight Kamaru Usman. But he didn’t accept the fight,” Rakhmonov said. “Also, they offered (it) to Prates, but he was injured. And Colby Covington, he rejected the fight. And I’m happy that Ian Garry accepted the fight. … In the beginning, (Usman) accepted the fight, and then he rejected. Maybe he didn’t want to risk.”
Garry will hope that their loss is his gain when he looks to be the one who takes Rakhmonov’s ‘0’ — and maintain his in the process.
That even includes on the early prelims, which will see a former champion in Chris Weidman making his return. The 40-year-old is set to do battle with Eryk Anders three weeks on from a bout of food poisoning forcing their matchup off the UFC 309 lineup on fight day.
Having quickly recovered, Anders’ sights are firmly back on Weidman as he looks to make it back-to-back wins in 2024. But even if he does close out the year on a streak, the former American football linebacker has no plans to make a run.
During an interview with Thomas Gerbasi for UFC.com, Anders reiterated his goals for the future and timeline for retirement. Having put a five-fight limit on the remainder of his career in June 2023, the 37-year-old stayed true to his word by branding this weekend’s assignment one of three left for him inside the cage.
“I’m only going to fight three more times,” he said. “This would be one of the three. And two more times after this. So I don’t think so. But it’s still a fun fight, so I’m really looking forward to that.”
During his UFC career, the former LFA champion has picked up wins over the likes of Markus Perez, Vinicius Moreira, Gerald Meerschaert, Darren Stewart, and Kyle Daukaus. He’s struggled to stay consistent, however, with his charge up the ladder being stalled in defeats to names like Lyoto Machida, Thiago Santos, Elias Theodorou, Khalil Rountree and Krzysztof Jotko.
With his aspirations of a push toward UFC gold evidently a thing of the past, Anders will now be focused on closing out his career in style, starting on Dec. 7 at the expense of Weidman.
Kamaru Usman isn’t holding back against the online criticism after choosing to pass on a short-notice clash with Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310.
Rakhmonov was originally slated to challenge reigning welterweight champion Belal Muhammad in the headlining bout of the UFC’s final pay-per-view of the year on Dec. 7 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. However, the highly anticipated clash was derailed when Muhammad was sidelined by a bone infection in his foot, leaving “Nomad” without an opponent for the big night.
During a recent episode of his Pound 4 Pound Podcast, Usman fired back at the fan backlash over his decision. The 37-year-old Nigerian-born American expressed his frustration, stating that fans were quick to judge without fully understanding the circumstances.
“I’m seeing people online going, ‘Oh, you’re scared, you ducked him,’” Usman said. “When people who are your fans or fans of a fighter don’t get their desired wish, ‘That’s the fight I want,’ then it’s like, ‘Oh no, that guy must be scared because he didn’t take the fight.’ Like, guys, shut up.
“World champion, defending belts time and time again, oh, he’s scared? Yeah, shut up. Just because you didn’t get what you wanted — guess what? It’s like your mom telling you, ‘No, you can’t have that toy today.’ You know, you can’t have that toy, so shut your mouth.”
Usman was last seen in action at UFC 294 in October 2023, where he suffered a majority decision loss to Khamzat Chimaev in a short-notice middleweight bout.
“The Nigerian Nightmare” is currently navigating the toughest stretch of his career, having lost his 170-pound title to Leon Edwards at UFC 278 in August 2022. Since that defeat, he has struggled, posting an 0-2 record in his past two Octagon outings.
Former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling was puzzled to see his crucial featherweight clash with Movsar Evloev demoted to this weekend’s preliminary card.
Sterling is widely regarded as one of the best fighters in the world, showcasing his talent across two weight classes. He excelled as a 135-pound kingpin before transitioning to 145 pounds, where he continues to make waves.
“Funk Master’s” rise to prominence included an impressive winning streak that culminated in capturing the bantamweight title at UFC 259 with a disqualification victory over Petr Yan. He then successfully defended the belt three times, defeating Yan in a rematch, TJ Dillashaw, and Henry Cejudo.
However, his reign ended at UFC 292, where he lost the title to Sean O’Malley. Undeterred, Sterling moved to the featherweight division and secured a notable victory over Calvin Kattar at UFC 300 this past April
Now, Sterling is set to face top-five contender Movsar Evloev at UFC 310 on Dec. 7. Surprisingly, the fight will be featured on the prelims rather than the pay-per-view main card. In a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, Sterling expressed mixed feelings about the placement.
“I didn’t know if I should have been insulted by the placement on the fight card or glass half-full. I guess that’s the best way I try to look at everything in life,” Sterling said. “I get to fight earlier and get to be done earlier. I get to pop open a fresh bottle of Funk Harbor, hang out with the friends, and celebrate a big win. I was a little confused by it, of course.
“I guess they have their rhyme or reason for what they do, the UFC brass, and it is what it is. At the end of the day, it’s not my organization. I don’t call the shots. I just go out there and compete, and it’s up to me to go out there and prove these guys wrong,” Sterling continued. “Hey, I am a main card fighter. I think people are going to be in for a very big surprise, and the UFC is going to realize we messed up big time by not putting this on the main card.”
Sterling’s confidence and determination to prove his worth as a main card fighter could make his bout against Evloev one of the most talked-about moments of the night, regardless of its placement.
UFC welterweight contender Joaquin Buckley is expecting Ian Garry to maintain his ‘0’ when he does battle with fellow undefeated contender Shavkat Rakhmonov.
While Rakhmonov was originally set to challenge for Belal Muhammad’s gold in the main event, an infection forced the champion’s withdrawal. With that, the Kazakh standout will have to defend his top contender spot opposite a former training partner.
Betting odds currently have “Nomad” a signifcant favorite to do so, with his line sitting at -375 on DraftKings. The man who had his matchup with Garry fall through as a result of the recent shuffle, however, sees the underdog having his hand raised.
During an interview with MiddleEasy, Buckley provided his thoughts on Garry’s new bout with Rakhmonov, which spoiled “New Mansa’s” plan to become the first to defeat the Irishman a week later in the UFC Tampa headliner.
In recent bouts, “The Future” has been criticized for grinding out decision wins with a technical and safe approach. And Buckley expects the Dubliner to employ that exact strategy en route to an upset at UFC 310.
“A lot of people are not going to believe me, but I think Ian Garry is going to win – by the skin of his teeth, just like the rest of his wins that he had,” Buckley said. “Whether that’s with ‘MVP’ or with Geoff Neal. He does a good job of staying safe and surviving, and if you don’t have the feet to kind of hunt down guys like that, where they’re constantly moving and constantly evading, and you set up traps.
“Obviously, you’re not going to be able to land those power shots. … If you get in the fire with Shavkat Rakhmonov, you’re going to get burned,” Buckley continued. “But I don’t see Ian Garry running into that burning house. He’s going to try to flee and evade the whole time, and I can see Ian Garry getting his hand raised by decision.”
Garry will look to prove Buckley’s prediction correct come fight night versus Rakhmonov in “Sin City” this weekend — thought perhaps in a more emphatic and impressive faction than the American is envisioning.
“New Mansa,” meanwhile, has a new target in his sights for Dec. 14 in Tampa.
The #9-ranked contender will still have the opportunity to climb the ranks, as he looks to add to the woes of Colby Covington following his third failed bid for the undisputed crown last December.
Under the spotlight in this edition is the headliner between Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Asakura and the co-main event between Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Garry.
Saturday’s UFC 310 lineup is topped by a championship clash, with flyweight kingpin Pantoja (28-5) looking to add a third successful defense to his reign, which got underway with a memorable victory over Brandon Moreno at UFC 290 in July 2023.
If “The Cannibal” is to continue his rule atop the 125-pound mountain, he must stall the title ambitions of a UFC newcomer in Asakura (21-4). The former Rizin bantamweight champ marks a rare example of a debuting fighter competing for gold inside the Octagon, which he’ll enter off the back of consecutive knockouts of Yuki Motoya and Juan Archuleta.
Before those two collide in the main event at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, the stakes will also be high for a crucial five-round welterweight clash.
While “Nomad” recently got the better of Stephen Thompson by way of submission, “The Future” outpointed Michael “Venom” Page during International Fight Week this past summer. They’ll now look to secure top contender status heading into 2025 to ensure they’ll be standing across from champ Muhammad following his recovery.
Ahead of those two contests in “Sin City,” fans can catch previews in the full episode of UFC 310 Countdown on the promotion’s YouTube channel.
One of the most exciting elements of the UFC’s final PPV event of 2024 is the introduction of a new superstar who is going right into a main event title fight. Kai Asakura has already become a huge name in Japan through the time he has spent in RIZIN.
Though the 31-year old has fought some names that UFC fans will recognise, not to mention some of the acclaim he has received during his time in Japan, December 7 is when we all get to find out how he will fare in the UFC’s flyweight division when he challenges Alexandre Pantoja for the 125-pound title.
Asakura’s highlight reel, which fans will become used to seeing in the promos for UFC 310, paints a good picture of who he is as a fighter. He does his best work on the feet and has some signature finishes to go with his striking skills.
He pointed out that just like when the UFC and PRIDE fighters would crossover back in the day, fighters would have to adapt to fighting in a ring or a cage and that could be a factor in Las Vegas’ main event clash because it changes the way that you defend takedowns.
“The big difference between PRIDE and the UFC is that they are competed in a ring and the reason why this is going to be interesting is because has he adapted his style to the UFC, has he been training in a cage? In his fights, for example his last one against Juan Archuleta, Juan Archuleta was trying to take him down. Up against the ring, under the ropes, he was sprawling and his legs were all the way past, they were right past the end of the ropes on the apron of the ring… obviously, in a cage, you can’t do that. So if you’re pushed up against it, your feet are perpendicular to your body and that makes it easier for somebody like Alexandre Pantoja to get a hold of a leg.”
