The UFC is set to conclude its 2023 lineup of pay-per-view events with the highly anticipated UFC 310, scheduled for Saturday, December 7. This fight card features a main event flyweight title bout between reigning champion Alexandre Pantoja and newcomer Kai Asakura, who is arriving in the UFC after an impressive run in Rizin. The co-main event promises to be just as thrilling, as two undefeated welterweights, Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry, square off in what is expected to be a title eliminator. Fans are eager to see how these matchups will unfold as the UFC continues to deliver exciting contests in the Octagon.
UFC 310 is set to take place at the T-Mobile Arena, with the event scheduled to kick off at 6:00 p.m. ET with the early prelims, followed by the prelims at 8:00 p.m. ET, and the pay-per-view main card at 10:00 p.m. ET. Viewers can stream the event through various platforms, including UFC Fight Pass and ESPN+, which will cover the early prelims and prelims, while the main card is available through ESPN+ PPV. This accessibility ensures that a wide audience can tune in to witness the exciting matchups taking place on the night.
In the main event, Alexandre Pantoja will defend his UFC flyweight title against Kai Asakura. Pantoja, sporting an impressive record of 28-5, enters this matchup on a six-fight winning streak. The Brazilian fighter claimed the flyweight championship in July 2023 with a tightly contested split decision victory over Brandon Moreno. Since earning the title, Pantoja has successfully defended it twice, demonstrating his elite grappling and striking skills in decision victories over Brandon Royval and Steve Erceg. On the other hand, Asakura, currently holding a record of 21-4, has made waves in Rizin as a two-time bantamweight champion. His knockout victory over Hiromasa Ougikubo began his championship journey, and although he faced setbacks, he rebounded to claim the vacant 135-pound title in December 2023 with a TKO win over Juan Archuleta. Asakura will be looking to make a significant impact in his UFC debut against the seasoned champion Pantoja.
One of the most anticipated matchups on the UFC 310 card is the co-main event featuring Shavkat Rakhmonov against Ian Machado Garry. This fight initially was meant to be Rakhmonov squaring off against welterweight champion Belal Muhammad, but due to unforeseen circumstances, Muhammad was forced to withdraw. Rakhmonov, an undefeated prospect with a perfect record of 18-0, is currently ranked No. 3 in the welterweight division and is known for his finishing prowess, having never gone the distance in his professional career. His latest victory came through a submission against former title challenger Stephen Thompson in December 2023. In contrast, Ian Machado Garry, with a record of 15-0, has made a name for himself in the UFC, facing tough competition and winning decisively. Garry’s most recent fight was against Michael “Venom” Page, where he secured a victory at UFC 303. This matchup is particularly crucial as it could decide the next challenger for the welterweight title.
In addition to the main and co-main events, UFC 310 features a compelling heavyweight showdown pitting former title challenger Ciryl Gane against Alexander Volkov. Gane, who holds a record of 12-2, is currently ranked No. 2 in the heavyweight division and has faced the best of the best in his career. His losses came in title fights against Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones, but he did manage to capture the interim championship in 2021. Most recently, Gane showcased his striking power by defeating Serghei Spivac via TKO in September 2023. Alexander Volkov, with a formidable resume of 38-10, is ranked No. 3 in the heavyweight rankings and has been a reliable competitor in the UFC since 2016. Despite not having fought for the title, he is currently on a four-fight winning streak and aims to establish himself as a top contender with a win over Gane.
Other exciting fights on the UFC 310 card include notable matchups such as Bryce Mitchell facing Kron Gracie, and the fan-favorite Nate Landwehr taking on Doo Ho Choi. The preliminary card also showcases talented fighters like Anthony Smith against Dominick Reyes, Vicente Luque versus Themba Gorimbo, and Movsar Evloev battling Aljamain Sterling. Additionally, the early prelims feature well-known fighters such as Chris Weidman and Cody Durden. The depth of talent across the entire card assures viewers that there will be plenty of action and potential for standout performances throughout the night.
As with any fight card, changes to the lineup are possible, and fans are encouraged to stay updated on the latest news regarding UFC 310, including any adjustments to start times, locations, or streaming options. With the promise of thrilling bouts and high-stakes consequences on the line, UFC 310 is shaping up to be an unforgettable conclusion to the year’s pay-per-view events, and fans can look forward to witnessing the evolution of champions and prospects as they step into the Octagon.
