UFC 310 went down this previous weekend (Sat., Dec. 7, 2024) inside T-Cellular Enviornment in Las Vegas, Nevada, serving because the promotion’s closing pay-per-view (PPV) providing for the 12 months. A number of fighters have been left feeling the post-fight blues, together with Chris Weidman, who was knocked out by Eryk Anders on the undercard (see it right here).
And Anthony Smith, who was “stopped” by way of second spherical technical knockout by the hands of Dominick Reyes (see it once more right here). And let’s not neglect about Clay Guida, who was submitted by Chase Hooper within the first spherical of their Light-weight bout. By the best way, all three of these fighters could possibly be retiring from the game if Dana White has his approach (particulars right here).
However, which fighter is affected by the worst post-fight hangover, now just a few days faraway from the present?
Kai Asakura.
Coming into the occasion, Asakura caught some severe warmth as a result of he was awarded a Flyweight title shot in his first struggle contained in the Octagon (although Asakura was a former RIZIN Bantamweight champion). However, Asakura was decided to indicate the explanation(s) he obtained the nod.
Sadly for the Japanese-born fighter, he ran right into a champion who wasn’t about to roll over and cough up his title to a UFC rookie.
Asakura got here out swinging from the soar, together with throwing his notorious leaping knees which have all the time been a giant a part of his arsenal abroad. However, Alexandre Pantoja additionally introduced the warmth, placing his foot on the fuel pedal and by no means letting up. And as soon as Pantoja took the struggle to the bottom in spherical two, it was a wrap. After Asakura defended the a number of rear-naked choke makes an attempt nicely Pantoja ultimately managed to sink it in, forcing the stoppage and retaining the title.
It’s an unlucky defeat for Asakura, who could have been thrown into the deep waters too quickly. Granted, he had loads of championship expertise, however he was coming into a brand new promotion, cage and a unique rule set. And he was doing it in opposition to top-of-the-line within the recreation.
However, no excuses for Asakura, and credit score must be given to Pantoja as a result of he was on prime of his recreation and placed on top-of-the-line performances of his profession. It was adequate to offer him the arrogance to name out top-of-the-line 125-pound pound fighters ever in Demetrious Johnson, although “Mighty Mouse” wasn’t having it.
Asakura, in the meantime, provided up a response on social media.
“Thanks a lot for all of your assist,” he mentioned. “I’m sorry I couldn’t repay you with outcomes.
“He was an incredible champion and I used to be nonetheless weak,” he concluded.” I didn’t attain it this time, however I’ll undoubtedly climb up and grow to be the champion. I’ve all the time executed that, and I’ll maintain doing it till I obtain it. I’ll come again stronger.”
So far as what could possibly be subsequent for Asakura, maybe a struggle in opposition to Amir Albazi is so as. Albazi not too long ago had his six-fight win streak snapped by former division champion, Brandon Moreno, simply final month, ending his run towards a title shot.
Albazi — ranked No. 3 at 125 kilos — can be one more robust problem for Asakura, who’s shortly going to search out out that competitors underneath UFC’s banner is on one other degree than what he has been used to … no matter the place they stand within the High 15.
For full UFC 310 outcomes, protection and highlights click on HERE.
