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.
Bet on Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Asakura with 1xBet
MMA: UFC Flyweight Championship
Where to Watch: PPV
Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
Date: 08.12.2024 06:00
Alexandre Pantoja
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.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 34
- Height: 5’5”
- Reach: 68”
- Weight: 125lbs (57kg)
- Record: 28-5
Kai Asakura
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.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 31
- Height: 5’8”
- Reach: 69”
- Weight: 125lbs (57kg)
- Record: 21-4
Betting Odds
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 .
Bet on Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Asakura with 1xBet
