When God closes a door, another pay-per-view (PPV) window spot opens just right up. Belal Muhammad’s loss of the headliner spot could be another man’s gain. UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja believes his upcoming defense against Kai Asakura would be worth the main event spotlight of UFC 310.
Alexandre Pantoja and Asakura will fight on the UFC’s end-of-year pay-per-view event on December 7 at the T-Mobile Arena. The bout trailed behind the welterweight title fight between Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov. However, Muhammad pulled out due to a foot infection. The Brazilian flyweight champion remains ready to do whatever to headline it.
I just [have] one main event in my life — in my last fight. You need to do more stuff to sell your pay-per-view, sell your fight, and let’s go. It’s a good time to learn about that. I know, 100 percent, I’m going to put on a very good show.
Alexandre Pantoja to MMAFighting’s Mike Heck (for SBNation Network)
Pantoja captured the title in a thrilling battle with Brandon Moreno at UFC 290. ‘The Cannibal’ has had two successful title defenses, with decision wins over Brandon Royval and Steve Erceg. After Belal Muhammad pulled out, Rakhmonov seemingly stayed on in hopes of an interim clash. However, the promotion has yet to gratify that. Pantoja thinks with title affairs under his belt, he’s a better choice.
He’ll face former RIZIN bantamweight champion Kai Asakura, who recently signed with the UFC. Asakura comes into the bout having finished off his last two opponents. This includes former Bellator champion Juan Archuleta at RIZIN 45 last December. Asakura regained the RIZIN 135-pound title in the process. Given the clash of the talent pool, Pantoja wants that sweet main spot again.
Alexandre Pantoja asks to let ‘little guys’ do the talking
Pantoja (28-5 MMA, 12-3 UFC) made his second title defense when he outlasted Steve Erceg at UFC 301 in May. The Brazilian said his next billing would surprise many. But no one expected it to be a diverse talent from outside. Kai Asakura could prove to be the storm no one knows to weather just yet. Not even the animalistic Alexandre Pantoja.
Of course, the booking has had its opposition. Kai Kara-France demanded a title shot after scoring a first-round TKO over Erceg at UFC 305 in August. Already prominent and snapping his two-fight losing skid, he said they got the wrong ‘Kai’ in. However, Pantoja, 34, believes in this billing for UFC 310.
With Belal Muhammad out, the duo has the unique opportunity to take it to the top. Several fighters have applied for the open slot, hoping for a main event. With both fighters bringing exciting styles and entertaining fights to the cage, Pantoja suggests UFC brass put down the phones. He wants them to let the 125-pounders slug it out to close the promotion’s pay-per-view year.
I’m super excited, I’m the main event right now, …OK, I don’t talk too much, I’m from Brazil, my English is not so good but I think everybody has a good opportunity to see one of the best [fights] of the year. [The UFC signs] Asakura, the Japanese star, the champion from Japan for long years. I’m super happy with that crossover. I think it all the MMA fans want to see
Alexandre Pantoja further said to MMAFighting’s Mike Heck
The fighter out of Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is all in about bringing in new talents. Subsequently, Asakura fits the bill just right. Pantoja also wants to make his American Top Team (ATT) gym proud and bring in even more talents. Standouts like Kayla Harrison have been swirling up storms recently. Pantoja also has Bellator champ Johnny Eblen crossing over in mind.
