UFC 310, held at the electrifying T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, marked the end of a dazzling year for mixed martial arts on Saturday. The event was not just another fight card; it turned out to be a historic night replete with significant outcomes, career milestones, and sobering losses. From Alexandre Pantoja’s spectacular title defense to surprising upsets, UFC 310 revealed the unpredictable nature of the sport and provided fans with a showcase of skill and drama.
The centerpiece of UFC 310 was undoubtedly Alexandre Pantoja’s bout against Kai Asakura. This fight was pivotal for both fighters, but it was Pantoja (29-5 MMA, 13-3 UFC) who emerged victorious with a second-round submission that ended Asakura’s debut in the octagon and added yet another feather to Pantoja’s cap. With this win, Pantoja not only defended his title but also tied with fellow champions Islam Makhachev and Alex Pereira for the most title defenses currently.
Pantoja’s performance was a testament to his prowess in the flyweight division. His ability to secure a submission against a formidable opponent like Asakura, who entered the octagon with a reputation as the former RIZIN champ, showcased his grappling excellence. This victory placed Pantoja in elite company, as he secured his fourth win in a UFC flyweight title fight, trailing only the legendary Demetrious Johnson. The implications of this fight extend beyond the octagon, placing Pantoja in the conversation for greatest flyweight of all time.
Records Broken and Milestones Achieved
UFC 310 proved to be a night filled with breakneck action and record-setting performances. One standout was Shavkat Rakhmonov (19-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC), who secured a decision victory, marking the first time he had won a bout without a finish—an impressive feat for the predominantly knockout-focused fighter. Meanwhile, Ian Machado Garry faced his first-ever defeat, ending his 15-fight winning streak, a reminder of the unforgiving nature of professional fighting.
Moreover, the card hosted numerous fighters who further established their place in UFC folklore. For reference, Dominick Reyes (14-4 MMA, 8-4 UFC) continued to display his striking capabilities, outpacing his opponent by a staggering 100 significant strikes in their light heavyweight contest—the third-largest margin seen in UFC history for that weight class. Each bout told a story of resilience, talent, and the unpredictable outcomes that are hallmarks of the UFC.
While the main fights captured the crowd’s attention, the undercard also held fascinating narratives. Fighters like Bryce Mitchell (17-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) stepped into the spotlight, with Mitchell achieving his first knockout victory of his career, showcasing his evolving striking skills. In stark contrast, Kron Gracie (5-3 MMA, 1-3 UFC) faced a harsh reality as he suffered his third consecutive loss after a promising start, reminding fans that the sport is built on constant evolution or risk being left behind.
Another notable performer was Luque (23-10-1 MMA, 16-6 UFC), who continued his climb up the welterweight ranks with a staggering total of 16 victories in the division. This statistic suggests his relevance in a stacked division teeming with elite competition while showcasing his knack for securing finishes—14 of which have come by stoppage.
UFC 310 stood as a reminder that every fighter’s journey is incredibly dynamic and filled with unforeseen twists. Aljamain Sterling (24-5 MMA, 16-5 UFC) faced setbacks as he adjusted to life in the featherweight division. Meanwhile, the endurance of veterans like Clay Guida (38-25 MMA, 18-19 UFC) raises questions about longevity in a sport that is notoriously challenging on the body and mind. Guida’s record for the most losses in UFC history serves as a stark testament to the sport’s brutalities as well as the dedication it requires.
Through each of these narratives, UFC 310 highlighted an array of themes: resilience, excellence, redemption, and ambition. The evening served not only to encapsulate the year’s final fight night but also to forecast what fans can expect in a thrilling 2025—where the stakes will only get higher, and the fighters will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the octagon.