Flyweight King Alexandre Pantoja: The Top Contenders Eyeing His Throne
UFC 310 closed out the 2024 pay-per-view calendar with a bang, offering fans thrilling fights, dramatic finishes, and big questions about the future. From Alexandre Pantoja proving once again why he’s the flyweight king, to Shavkat Rakhmonov surviving his toughest test yet, to Ian Machado Garry showing grit in a loss, the event was packed with moments that will shape the UFC landscape in 2025. Let’s break down what could come next for the stars of the night.
Pantoja: The Unstoppable Flyweight Champ
In the main event, Alexandre Pantoja reminded everyone why he’s at the top of the men’s flyweight division. Facing newcomer Kai Asakura, Pantoja didn’t just win—he dominated. Asakura had a few bright moments, showcasing his striking and quick movement, but it was Pantoja’s grappling that sealed the deal. A perfectly executed rear-naked choke in Round 2 secured the champion another successful title defense.
The win wasn’t surprising. Pantoja has spent years beating the division’s best, often more than once. With this victory, he’s now in the tricky position of having cleared out most of his competition.
Who’s next for Pantoja?
A rematch with Kai Kara-France seems like the most logical step. Kara-France has earned his shot after a stunning knockout win over Steve Erceg, and the two haven’t faced off since their days on The Ultimate Fighter in 2016. Back then, Pantoja came out on top, but Kara-France is a completely different fighter now. This fight feels fresh and competitive, even in a division where Pantoja has mostly lapped the field.
The wild card: Could Pantoja convince Demetrious Johnson to come out of retirement? The champ called out “Mighty Mouse” after the fight, but Johnson doesn’t seem interested. Still, stranger things have happened in MMA, and a fight between these two would be legendary. Don’t hold your breath, though.
Kai Asakura: A Bright Future Despite the Loss
Kai Asakura didn’t get the result he wanted in his UFC debut, but he made an impression. The Japanese star came in with a lot of hype, and while his grappling was exposed as a weakness, his striking and charisma make him a fighter to watch. He’s still early in his UFC journey, and a loss to the champ isn’t the end of the world.
Who’s next for Asakura?
A fight with Brandon Moreno would be a great matchup. Moreno looked fantastic in his recent win over Amir Albazi, and Asakura could benefit from a test against a high-level former champion. Not only would it make sense in the rankings, but it would also be an entertaining fight for fans.
The alternative: If the UFC prefers to match up fighters coming off losses, Amir Albazi could be the right choice. Both men have something to prove, and it would be a great showcase for the flyweight division.
Source: UFC 310: What’s next for Pantoja
Rakhmonov: A Star on the Rise
Shavkat Rakhmonov entered UFC 310 with a perfect record, and while he stayed undefeated, his fight with Ian Machado Garry wasn’t the dominant win some expected. For the first time in his career, Rakhmonov went the distance. While he didn’t add another finish to his résumé, he showed incredible cardio and an ability to adapt to a tough opponent.
Who’s next for Rakhmonov?
The obvious answer is a title fight with Belal Muhammad. It’s not the flashiest matchup, but it’s the fight that makes sense. Rakhmonov’s aura of invincibility may have dimmed slightly after UFC 310, but he’s still undefeated and has proven he belongs at the top. Muhammad, known for his tactical approach, would be a fascinating challenge.
No wild card needed: This fight feels inevitable and is likely the UFC’s next move.
Machado Garry: Bouncing Back After a Tough Loss
Ian Machado Garry might not have beaten Rakhmonov, but he proved he’s no pushover. The Irish fighter showed toughness and heart in what was easily the biggest challenge of his career. While the loss might sting, it’s clear Garry has what it takes to compete with the best in the welterweight division.
Who’s next for Machado Garry?
A matchup with Colby Covington would be both entertaining and meaningful. Covington has been vocal in criticizing Garry, and their clash of personalities could build hype for the fight. Beyond the drama, Covington is still ranked ahead of Garry, making this a legitimate test.
The alternative: A fight with Kamaru Usman could also make sense, though it’s unclear if Usman is interested in taking on younger contenders as he nears the end of his career.
Bryce Mitchell: Featherweight’s Wild Card
Bryce Mitchell picked up another win at UFC 310, this time with a highlight-reel slam against Kron Gracie in the third round. Mitchell’s quirky personality and gritty fighting style have earned him a loyal following, and he’s steadily climbing the ranks in the featherweight division.
Who’s next for Mitchell?
An unbeaten fighter like Lerone Murphy would be an exciting matchup. Murphy has been quietly building his own case as a future contender, and Mitchell’s grappling-heavy style would be a great contrast to Murphy’s striking.
The wild card: If the UFC wants to give Mitchell a higher-profile fight, Arnold Allen could be a great option. Allen is ranked higher but might need to defend his spot with bigger names like Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway moving in different directions.
What’s Next for the UFC in 2025?
UFC 310 capped off a thrilling year for the promotion, and the fights set up plenty of exciting possibilities for the future. Will Pantoja continue his reign as flyweight king? Can Rakhmonov claim the welterweight title? And how will rising stars like Machado Garry and Bryce Mitchell shape their divisions?
One thing is for sure: UFC 310 proved that the UFC is stacked with talent, and the storylines heading into 2025 are as intriguing as ever. Fans will have plenty to look forward to as the year unfolds.
Stay tuned as the UFC announces its next moves—there’s no shortage of fights to be made, and the future looks bright for these standout athletes.
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