UFC 310 is set to close out the 2024 pay-per-view calendar with a stacked card that blends new faces with familiar names. On December 7, 2024, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the UFC Flyweight Championship is in a showdown between champion Alexandre Pantoja and rising newcomer Kai Asakura. Fans searching for a last-chance thriller this year can expect an action-packed event full of fresh challenges, intense rivalries, and hard-hitting matchups.
The buzz among hosts Dave Simon, Fred Garcia, and AJ D’Alesio and a live audience who chimed in during the broadcast is that we are looking at a night where the old guard may get tested, and fresh blood might rise faster than anyone expected.
Table of Contents
While Pantoja’s name rings loudly in UFC circles, Asakura steps into the Octagon for the first time in the promotion and dives straight into main event waters. The card also includes a killer co-main event in Ian Machado Garry vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov, a heavyweight collision between Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov, and several under-the-radar bouts that could blow the roof off. With multiple fighters undefeated or holding few losses, this event has the hosts excited about what’s ahead.
Below is a detailed breakdown that captures the live show’s vibe, the hosts’ banter, and the audience’s anticipation. We’ll walk through the top fights, highlight key commentary from Dave, Fred, and AJ, and give a sense of what the viewers say in the chat. By the end of this preview, you’ll have a clear picture of what to expect at UFC 310, which fighters the hosts are backing, and why this card feels like one of the year’s biggest tests for both favorites and newcomers.
The Main Event: Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Asakura
The Unexpected Title Matchup
“Pantoja’s defending his belt against a guy who’s never fought in the UFC.” – Fred Garcia
“It’s odd how they brought Asakura in and gave him a title shot right away, but maybe they know something we don’t.” – Dave Simon.
The sudden main event shift has created a storm of curiosity. Kai Asakura, a two-time Rizin Bantamweight Champion, is making his UFC debut, and not just on a random Fight Night—he’s diving straight into a UFC Flyweight Championship title fight against Alexandre Pantoja. The switch happened after the original welterweight title headliner fell apart due to a medical issue with Belal Muhammad. With that star-calibre main event gone, the UFC took a risk and moved Pantoja-Asakura into the spotlight.
The hosts on Ringside Report MMA wrestled with the “why” behind this booking. Dave and Fred were baffled, asking how a UFC newcomer suddenly earned such a massive opportunity. AJ floated the idea that Asakura’s strong knockout record and fame in Japan might open a big market for the UFC. The audience chat, buzzing with comments, seemed split. Some praised the UFC for shaking up the division, while others thought it disrespected the long line of contenders waiting for a shot.
The Tough Road Ahead
“Pantoja is a serious champion. Asakura is walking into deep waters.” – Dave Simon.
Pantoja holds a proven track record. He’s tough, well-rounded, and calm under pressure. Many fans see him as an established name who can handle almost any style. Asakura, known for his knockouts in Rizin, has the power to catch Pantoja off guard. AJ was alone in thinking Asakura would shock the world and become the first Japanese UFC champ.
Dave and Fred leaned towards Pantoja, thinking Asakura’s hype might not translate once he’s in the cage with top-tier UFC talent. The audience comments shown on screen were also cautious. They saw Pantoja as a favorite, with some calling Asakura’s title shot a “Hail Mary play” by the UFC. Still, AJ insisted Asakura’s power and hunger would make this a fight to remember.
Host Picks for the Main Event
- Dave Simon: Pantoja by finish. Dave expects the champion to dominate and end the night looking even stronger.
- Fred Garcia: Pantoja by submission. Fred believes the champ’s well-rounded skills will be too much for the newcomer.
- AJ D’Alesio: Asakura by knockout. AJ stands by his gut feeling that Asakura shocks everyone. He thinks the pressure of representing Japan will drive Asakura to pull off something huge.
Co-Main Event: Ian Machado Garry vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov
The Future of the Welterweight Division
“This co-main event feels like the real main event.” – Dave Simon
“Shavkat has a 100% finishing rate. That’s insane.” – AJ D’Alesio.
Ian Machado Garry vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov is the co-headliner that has everyone buzzing. Two undefeated welterweights. A five-round title eliminator. The winner sets himself up for a showdown with Belal Muhammad. The hosts and audience circled this fight as the one they were most excited about. Dave and AJ called Rakhmonov “destined” for greatness, praising his cardio, pressure, and fearless style. Fred reminded everyone that while Ian Garry talks a big game, he’s also dangerous and unbeaten for a reason.
Rakhmonov’s ability to walk forward, absorb shots, and then drown opponents with constant offense was a hot topic. AJ marveled at how Shavkat risks taking a punch to secure a dominant position. Dave compared him to a Diaz brother with wrestling, saying he pours on strikes at a steady rhythm without slowing down. The audience seemed pumped for this bout. Viewers joked about focusing a camera on Garry’s wife’s reaction if Shavkat finishes him, a light-hearted nod to the hype and personality around Ian Machado Garry.
Will Garry or Shavkat Blink First?
“They’re both undefeated. Someone’s O has got to go.” – AJ D’Alesio.
AJ predicted a finish. Dave leaned toward a Rakhmonov decision but did not rule out a TKO. Fred gave Garry some credit—if it goes to a decision, he might hang in there. Still, the consensus was that Shavkat’s relentless style might overwhelm Garry. The audience made it clear: this is the fight everyone wants to see. Rakhmonov’s track record of never going to the judges gives this matchup even more weight. Ian Garry may have the flash, but can he match Shavkat’s toughness?
Host Picks for the Co-Main Event
- Dave Simon: Rakhmonov to win, likely by decision, but still leans heavily towards Shavkat.
- Fred Garcia: Rakhmonov by finish. Fred calls Shavkat “the young stud” ready to take it all.
- AJ D’Alesio: Rakhmonov by stoppage. AJ is sold on Shavkat’s finishing ability and future championship run.
Heavyweight Clash: Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov
The Rematch With a Twist
“I’m off the Gane bandwagon. Volkov’s on a streak.” – Fred Garcia
One of the event’s heavyweight showdowns is a rematch between former interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Ciryl Gane and former Bellator champ Alexander Volkov. Their first meeting saw Gane outpoint Volkov in a five-round fight. This time, it’s set for three rounds. AJ noted that Volkov took the first two rounds last time before Gane adjusted and took over in the later frames. Shortening the bout to three rounds changes the dynamic. If Gane doesn’t push early, Volkov might steal the show on the scorecards.
Fred shocked the other hosts by picking Volkov. He argued that Gane hasn’t improved his wrestling and might face a more confident Volkov this time around. Dave and AJ were stunned. They still trust Gane’s technique, speed, and ability to adapt. AJ thinks Gane will come out firing right away. Dave teased Fred, questioning the logic of going against Gane, but Fred stood firm. He sees Gane’s lack of wrestling progress as a big issue against a well-rounded veteran like Volkov.
Fan and Host Reactions
The audience in the live chat took sides. Some found Fred’s pick bold and refreshing, while others sided with Dave and AJ. It’s rare to see the crew split like this. The chatter included references to Gane’s flashy style, Volkov’s recent wins, and questions about whether Gane’s gym environment in France holds him back from improving his wrestling.
Host Picks for Gane vs. Volkov
- Dave Simon: Ciryl Gane to win, trusting his striking and previous victory.
- Fred Garcia: Alexander Volkov to surprise everyone and win by decision.
- AJ D’Alesio: Ciryl Gane, expecting a more explosive start and a dominant performance.
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Featherweight Shuffle: Bryce Mitchell vs. Kron Gracie
Ground Game Guesswork
“Arkansas Jiu-Jitsu vs. Brazilian Gracie Jiu-Jitsu? That’s risky.” – Dave Simon
“Kron by submission wouldn’t shock me.” – Fred Garcia
Bryce Mitchell vs. Kron Gracie is a style clash that screams grappling. On paper, Bryce Mitchell might hold the advantage on the feet, and he can wrestle. Kron Gracie’s Jiu-Jitsu pedigree is unmatched, but he looked flat in his last fight against Charles Jourdain. The hosts batted around the idea that Mitchell might be foolish enough to grapple with Kron and end up getting caught. Dave noted that Kron by submission was a massive underdog bet, yet it felt tempting if Mitchell’s pride drives him into the wrong strategy.
AJ mentioned that neither guy has delivered major wins lately. If Mitchell tries to prove something on the ground, Kron could get the finish. The live chat had people siding, mostly with Bryce Mitchell as the safer pick. Yet, Dave and Fred couldn’t shake the feeling that Kron might pull off a slick submission if Mitchell makes a single mistake.
Host Picks for Mitchell vs. Gracie
- Dave Simon: Torn, but he’s warming to the idea that Kron could submit Mitchell.
- Fred Garcia: Leaning Bryce Mitchell, but openly admits Kron by submission is very possible.
- AJ D’Alesio: Also torn, but suggests Kron might surprise everyone if Mitchell plays his game.
Key Undercard Fights and Picks
Themba Gorimbo vs. Vicente Luque Replacement
The welterweight landscape also features Themba Gorimbo stepping in after Nick Diaz withdrew. Luque has struggled recently, losing three of his last four. The hosts noted Gorimbo’s four-fight win streak, good energy, and seizing the moment. Dave called it a meeting of two fighters on opposite trajectories. AJ and Fred liked Gorimbo’s chances based on momentum.
Host Picks: All three seemed to favor Gorimbo, seeing him as hungrier and less worn down.
Aljamain Sterling vs. Movsar Evloev
This featherweight bout sits on the prelims, and the hosts understand why. Both are often decision machines. Evloev is undefeated, and Sterling is experienced. Still, the excitement level is lower due to their safety-first approaches. Fred expects Evloev to keep his perfect record. Dave thinks Sterling’s no pushover. AJ highlights the age difference (Evloev at 30, Sterling at 35) and leans Evloev.
Host Picks:
- Dave Simon: Slight lean to Evloev but not certain.
- Fred Garcia: Evloev by decision.
- AJ D’Alesio: Evloev, citing younger, fresher talent.
Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders
Rescheduled from UFC 309, Weidman vs. Anders is now a 195-pound catchweight. Weidman’s recent record is shaky. Anders doesn’t blow anyone away, but Weidman hasn’t looked like the old champ in a long time. The hosts were hesitant. Dave thought Anders could outlast Weidman. AJ liked Anders, too, calling Weidman’s track record unconvincing in recent years. Fred didn’t commit strongly, but the table seemed tilted towards Anders.
Host Picks: Mostly Anders, but not a confident pick.
Audience Atmosphere: Live Chat and Vibes
“We got the chat going wild. Angelo, John, Leo, Antoinette, Andrea—everyone’s here.” – Dave Simon
The live chat was engaged throughout. Fans thanked the hosts for insights and asked who would crack under the pressure. Some joked about the personal lives of fighters and their families, adding a playful tone. The audience reactions supported the idea that UFC 310 feels like a gamble by the UFC. They chatted about Asakura’s background, doubting if he was ready for Pantoja yet intrigued by the possibility of a historic upset.
During discussions about Rakhmonov and Garry, the chat lit up, calling it the fight of the night. Many viewers planned to tune in specifically for that co-main event. Some even said they’d skip the main event if they were short on time, showing how big Rakhmonov’s star power is becoming among hardcore fans.
The hosts also urged viewers to subscribe to the channel, mentioning that many listeners tune in without clicking that button. They joked about stealing family members’ phones to subscribe. The sense of community was strong, with the audience feeling like part of the show, teasing the hosts, and sharing opinions.
Key Takeaways
- Asakura’s Sudden Title Shot: A wild gamble by the UFC, putting a Rizin import into a title fight on his UFC debut. The hosts disagree on the outcome, with AJ predicting a shock knockout, while Dave and Fred favor the champion, Pantoja.
- The Co-Main Steals the Spotlight: Ian Machado Garry vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov could be the real highlight. Two undefeated rising stars aiming for a title shot, and the consensus is that Shavkat’s relentless style gives him the edge.
- Heavyweight Rematch With Questions: Ciryl Gane’s skills are trusted by Dave and AJ, but Fred picks Volkov in a surprising twist. The shorter three-round format might benefit Volkov if Gane starts slow.
- Dangerous Ground Battles: Bryce Mitchell vs. Kron Gracie offers a grappling chess match. The hosts see pthe otential for a shocking submission if Mitchell underestimates Kron’s ground game.
- Undercard Intrigue: Fights like Sterling vs. Evloev and Anders vs. Weidman might not be main draws, but they carry meaningful stakes for future rankings. The card is deep, with talents like Gorimbo looking to break out.
Conclusion
UFC 310 is serving up a final pay-per-view of the year with an unusual main event and a co-headliner that might steal the show. The hosts highlighted the top fights, pointed out strange booking decisions, and argued over possible outcomes. From a first-time UFC fighter jumping into a title shot to two undefeated welterweights battling for a chance at gold and even a heavyweight rematch that could flip the script, a lot is riding on this card.
As the hosts and the audience went back and forth, one thing became clear: UFC 310 is a high-stakes night where the tested champions, hungry newcomers, and rising stars have plenty to prove. Whether it’s Pantoja cementing his status, Asakura shocking the world, Rakhmonov continuing his perfect run, or Gane reminding everyone why he was once an interim champ, the night promises to close out the year with excitement. The bets are placed, the picks are in, and all that’s left is the action inside the Octagon.
UFC 310 : Un pari risqué pour finir l’année en force!
Oubliez les combats habituels, l’UFC 310 fait tout péter! Un nouveau venu se retrouve direct dans un combat de championnat, des étoiles montantes s’affrontent dans un duel qui pourrait être le combat de l’année, et une revanche chez les poids lourds pourrait changer la donne. Pantoja contre Asakura? On dirait plus un coup de dés. Garry contre Rakhmonov? Attachez vos tuques, ça va brasser. En plus, Gane et Volkov sont de retour pour régler leurs comptes, et ne sous-estimez pas la carte préliminaire où légendes et aspirants s’affrontent. C’pas un gala ordinaire, là. C’est l’UFC 310, et ça va être toute une ride!
En détail, ça donne quoi?
- Pantoja vs. Asakura: Pantoja défend sa ceinture contre un gars qui n’a jamais mis les pieds dans l’Octogone de l’UFC. Asakura, champion poids coq du Rizin, débarque de nulle part et se retrouve direct dans le main event. Les commentateurs sont perplexes, mais certains fans voient ça comme un coup de génie pour brasser la division.
- Garry vs. Rakhmonov: Le co-main event qui vole la vedette! Deux poids mi-moyens invaincus, un combat éliminatoire de cinq rounds… le gagnant affrontera Belal Muhammad. Rakhmonov, avec son style implacable et son cardio de fou, est le favori, mais Garry a aussi du talent. Ça promet!
- Gane vs. Volkov: La revanche! Gane avait gagné la première fois, mais Volkov est en feu ces temps-ci. Fred, un des commentateurs, surprend tout le monde en choisissant Volkov. Gane va-t-il prouver qu’il a progressé?
- Mitchell vs. Gracie: Du jiu-jitsu à l’état pur! Mitchell est peut-être meilleur debout, mais Gracie a une lignée légendaire. Si Mitchell se laisse entraîner au sol, ça pourrait mal finir.
- Les autres combats: Gorimbo profite du retrait de Nick Diaz pour affronter Luque. Sterling et Evloev, deux spécialistes des décisions, s’affrontent. Weidman, l’ancien champion, essaie de retrouver sa gloire contre Anders.
L’ambiance dans le chat en direct
Les fans sont à fond! Ils remercient les commentateurs pour leurs analyses, spéculent sur les résultats, et jasent de la vie personnelle des combattants. L’UFC 310 est un vrai pari, et tout le monde est curieux de voir ce qui va se passer.
En conclusion
L’UFC 310 clôture l’année avec un gala inusité. Un main event qui sort de l’ordinaire, un co-main event explosif, des revanches, et des combats qui pourraient surprendre. Champions, nouveaux venus, étoiles montantes… tout le monde a quelque chose à prouver. Pantoja va-t-il consolider son règne? Asakura va-t-il créer la surprise? Rakhmonov va-t-il continuer sa série de victoires? Gane va-t-il rappeler à tous pourquoi il a été champion intérimaire? Une chose est sûre : la soirée promet d’être riche en émotions!
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