Pantoja rolls through Asakura in submission win

LAS VEGAS — Alexandre Pantoja successfully defended the flyweight champion by submitting promotional newcomer Kai Asakura in the second round of their UFC 310 main event showdown at T-Mobile Arena.

Pantoja neutralized the former RIZIN bantamweight champion’s explosive striking by bringing the fight to the canvas in the second round, where the Brazilian’s exceptional grappling swiftly put an end to Asakura’s attempt to become the first Japanese UFC champion.

After stymying Asakura’s striking in the opening round, Pantoja opened the second round by pressuring his opponent into the fence. During a scramble, Pantoja immediately took Asakura’s back, dragged the fight to the canvas and worked in a rear-naked choke. Asakura was unable to defend the submission attempt, and the fight was waved off at the 2:05 mark in the second round.

“You think some Japanese guy is going to come in here and take my belt? No!” Pantoja said. “This is my time.”

Pantoja (29-5) extended his winning streak to seven and made his third successful defense of the flyweight title he won in 2023 by defeating Brandon Moreno.