Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Asakura: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

UFC flyweight king Alexandre Pantoja of Brazil defends his flyweight crown for the third time in the main event of UFC 300 when he fights against promotional newcomer and two-time Rizin FF bantamweight champion Kai Asakura of Japan. Pantoja, who picked up the 125-pound title last year, is keen to show the Japanese fighter the level difference between the elite UFC and other promotions. After winning the 134-pound Rizin FF title for the second time last December, Kai Asakura moved to the UFC in 2024. The Japanese challenger is a huge underdog ahead of the fight on Saturday night in Las Vegas.

MMA: UFC Flyweight Championship

Where to Watch: PPV 

Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas

Date: 08.12.2024 06:00

At 34, Alexandre Pantoja is an experienced warrior who has competed in the UFC since 2017. “The Cannibal” arrives at the Octagon this weekend on a six-fight winning streak that stretches back to February 2021. Pantoja defeated most of the top contenders in the flyweight class in that run. The number eleven ranked UFC men’s pound-for-pound fighter claimed the title last year with a split decision over Brandon Moreno. He successfully defended it against Brandon Royval last December with another decision before stopping Steve Erceg last May. Alexandre Pantoja is a black belt in BJJ and a member of the American Top Team.

A lot of fans talk about levels – bringing some other champ from another promotion to fight with the UFC champ – and we’re gonna figure that out on Saturday.

Alexandre Pantoja

• Age: 34
• Height: 5’5”
• Reach: 68”
• Weight: 125lbs (57kg)
• Record: 28-5

The Japanese superstar won the Rizin Bantamweight title for the second time with a TKO of Juan Archuleta last December. Kai Asakura first claimed the title in August 2020 when he defeated Hiromasa Ougikubo for the vacant title. That the 31-year-old is making his promotional debut in the UFC with a title shot is a testament to his status in the MMA world. Fight Matrix ranks Asakura as the number 25 bantamweight in the world.

I want to show my level. That’s why I’m fighting in the UFC, to fight the best fighters in the world. And I get that Kai Asakura is an opportunity for me to show that. It brings someone new, a champion from Asia, and I have the opportunity to fight with him. I love that.

Pantoja

• Age: 31
• Height: 5’8”
• Reach: 69”
• Weight: 125lbs (57kg)
• Record: 21-4

Kai Asakura is a 2.998 underdog on 1xBet, which lists a decision for Alexandre Pantoja at 4 odds. Total Over 2.5 is priced at 1.60 on Betway. Bet365 prices Pantoja by submission at 2.75 and over 3.5 at 2.25 odds. Read more .