Card Breakdown: UFC 310

The card is being headlined by flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja, who’s coming off a unanimous decision victory versus Steve Erceg. Pantoja is a well-rounded mixed martial artist who can stand and strike with most in the division but is at his best when the fight hits the mat, he has 10 submission victories to his name. His opponent is UFC debutant, the former Rizin Fighting Federation Bantam weight champion, Kai Asakura. He is predominantly striker who likes to stand and trade in the pocket, his weakness may be on the mat, however he has never been submitted in his 25 fights. 

Pantoja already has 2 title defences versus great opposition in Brandon Royval and Steve Erceg, both fights did go to decision but both performance’s Pantoja would be happy with. Although Asakura is a former champion he has not faced anybody of note, as no doubt Rizin does not have the same level of competition as the UFC. Both fighters have a similar height and reach so it will just come down to skills, which is where Pantoja would outclass Asakura. 

The event’s co-main event is Shavkat Rakhmonov versus Ian Machado Garry. Rakhmonov was initially supposed to fight Belal Muhammad, the welterweight champion the world but due to a toe injury Garry stepped up on relatively short notice. The winner of this matchup will no doubt go onto fight for the title, both fighters are deserving of a title shot is warranted as both are undefeated. 

Rakhmonov is the betting favourite coming into this fight off a submission win versus Stephen Thomson. Even though Rakhmonov is the favourite Garry is still a dangerous opponent who could finish Rakhmonov on the feet, however Garry hasn't finished his last three opponents. Rakhmonov has never gone the distance finishing all his opponents with a majority coming by submission. Rakhmonov is still incredibly high level on the feet so this fight should be won by Rakhmonov but Garry still has a chance.