Alexandre Pantoja solidified his status as the top flyweight in the world with a dominant victory over Kai Asakura at UFC 310, securing a rear-naked choke in the second round, and subsequently calling out retired legend Demetrious Johnson.
Alexandre Pantoja left no doubt—he’s the best flyweight in the world. Another stunning performance in the UFC 310 main event solidified his status.
Much buzz surrounded Kai Asakura entering the promotion and getting a title shot right off the bat. But Pantoja showed there are levels to this game, thoroughly dominating the former RIZIN champion. After a strong opening round, he secured a takedown in the second and quickly wrapped up a fight-ending rear-naked choke.
Despite his best efforts, Asakura couldn’t escape. He eventually succumbed to the submission, going to sleep as the referee pulled Pantoja off at 2:05 in the second round.
“This is the level, the UFC level that’s so high,” Pantoja declared after his third straight title defense. “You think some Japanese fighter’s gonna come here and take my belt? No way. When that octagon locks, this is my town, my city.”
Though Pantoja made short work of him, Asakura started with confidence. He came out firing and even caught Pantoja with a couple of stiff shots. Yet, the Brazilian was relentless, dragging the fight to the ground.
From there, Asakura exploded forward with heavy punches. But Pantoja seemed happy to trade bombs with him. Coiled like a spring, he continued attacking, even cracking Asakura hard to the body with a nasty kick.
Pantoja’s pace never slowed as he transitioned from striking to another takedown. This time, he jumped on Asakura’s back as they hit the floor.
Surgical precision defined Pantoja as he sliced through Asakura’s defense. He eventually sank his arm under the chin for a rear-naked choke. A couple of adjustments later, Pantoja locked up the submission, leaving Asakura limp seconds later.
With this win, Pantoja cements his spot atop the 125-pound division. Yet without new contenders lined up, he turned his attention to flyweight legend Demetrious Johnson.
“He doesn’t fight anymore; he retired this year,” Pantoja shouted. “But this is for you, Demetrious Johnson. I’m the GOAT here. If you want to prove you’re the GOAT, come back.”
While it’s unlikely Johnson—still under contract with ONE Championship—would return, Pantoja took his shot. With no clear opponent awaiting him in the UFC, why not?