UFC 310, the final pay-per-view event of 2024, concluded with Alexandre Pantoja solidifying his reign as the flyweight king. He dominated Kai Asakura, culminating in a second-round rear-naked choke submission, marking Pantoja’s third successful title defense in just 12 months. This impressive streak, following a split-decision victory over Brandon Moreno to claim the belt, has cemented Pantoja’s position at the top of the flyweight division, leaving commentators and fans speculating about potential future challengers, even mentioning the recently retired Demetrious Johnson. Asakura, in his UFC debut, displayed speed and power, but was ultimately outmatched by the champion’s relentless pressure and opportunistic grappling.
The co-main event showcased a welterweight clash of titans between Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry. Rakhmonov, previously undefeated, maintained his spotless record with a hard-fought decision victory over the equally undefeated Garry. This win further solidifies Rakhmonov’s claim for a title shot against reigning champion Belal Muhammad. While Garry suffered his first professional loss, his performance elevated his standing in the welterweight division. He demonstrated resilience and skill against a top contender, proving his undefeated streak leading into the fight was no fluke. The close contest suggests a potential rematch in the future, possibly with a title on the line.
Several other fighters made significant statements at UFC 310. Bryce Mitchell delivered a dominant performance against Kron Gracie, securing a third-round TKO victory. Mitchell capitalized on Gracie’s frequent guard pulls, slamming him to the canvas and unleashing a barrage of elbows to end the fight. Dooho Choi showcased a complete performance, overwhelming Nate Landwehr with a combination of striking prowess and ground control, culminating in a third-round TKO. This victory arguably represents Choi’s best UFC performance to date, warranting a future matchup against a ranked opponent.
Dominick Reyes, previously on a three-fight losing streak, continued his resurgence with a second-round TKO victory over Anthony Smith. Reyes utilized his jab effectively, capitalizing on an opening to finish the fight. While it’s premature to declare a return to his peak form, the consecutive stoppage victories signal a positive trajectory for his career. Vicente Luque rebounded from a previous knockout loss with a swift first-round submission victory over Themba Gorimbo, securing an anaconda choke after stunning Gorimbo with a powerful right hand.
Movsar Evloev extended his undefeated record to 19-0 with a unanimous decision victory over former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling, who was making his second appearance in the featherweight division. The grappling-heavy bout showcased the technical skills of both fighters, with Evloev ultimately capitalizing on Sterling’s minor mistakes to secure top position and inflict more damage. Sterling, despite the loss, delivered a strong performance in his new weight class.
While there were numerous impressive victories, several fighters experienced setbacks at UFC 310. Kai Asakura, despite flashes of brilliance, was ultimately outclassed by Pantoja in his UFC debut. Ciryl Gane, though victorious against Alexander Volkov, expressed dissatisfaction with his performance, citing broken toes suffered in the first round. Volkov, ending a four-fight winning streak, appeared surprised by the split decision result.
Kron Gracie’s reliance on guard pulling proved to be his undoing against Mitchell, while Nate Landwehr struggled to find his footing against Choi. Anthony Smith, visibly affected by the recent loss of a close friend and cornerman, offered little resistance against Reyes. Chris Weidman’s attempt at a guillotine choke backfired, allowing Eryk Anders to escape and secure a TKO victory. Cody Durden’s early wrestling efforts against Joshua Van left him depleted, opening the door for Van’s striking onslaught. Max Griffin struggled to implement his striking game against Chiesa, who dominated the grappling exchanges. Clay Guida suffered his third consecutive loss, a first in his long UFC career, succumbing to Hooper’s grappling mastery. Lukasz Brzeski’s passive approach against Nzechukwu resulted in another first-round knockout loss, extending his UFC record to 1-5.
Ultimately, UFC 310 delivered a night of exciting matchups and decisive finishes. Pantoja’s dominant title defense, Rakhmonov’s rise in the welterweight ranks, and impressive performances from emerging contenders like Choi and Mitchell provided significant shifts in the UFC landscape. While some veterans experienced setbacks, the event showcased the ever-evolving nature of the sport and the constant influx of new talent. The fight night bonuses, awarded to Nzechukwu, Hooper, Luque, and Pantoja, highlighted the most spectacular finishes of the night, further underscoring the action-packed nature of the event. UFC 310 concluded 2024 with a bang, setting the stage for an exciting year of fights in 2025.
