Getting a title shot and a UFC debut in the same fight is something that has been done on quite a few occasions in the past. One of the most prominent ones was Gilbert Melendez fighting for the lightweight gold vs. Benson Henderson in 2013. Another instance had Ronda Rousey fighting Liz Carmouche for the women’s bantamweight title.
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Kai Asakura getting the nod to fight Alexandre Pantoja for the flyweight championship belt would be the sixth time such a thing is about to go down. But what has the Japanese star planned for after UFC 310? Let’s find out the different paths he could travel after his showdown against ‘The Cannibal’.
If Kai Asakura wins at UFC 310, what’s next?
Winning the fight and becoming the new flyweight champion would paint a target on Asakura. Needless to say, it would most probably be Brandon Royval, the former LFA flyweight champion, who’d get the chance to fight Asakura. Defeating Tatsuro Taira at UFC Fight Night 244 strengthened his position as the #1 flyweight contender. No doubt, the new champion would indeed fight the #1 contender in the division.
There’s also a possibility of a rematch between Kai Asakura and Alexandre Pantoja happening after UFC 310. The Brazilian juggernaut has already defended his championship belt twice. This indeed makes him as worthy as Royval for a title shot in case he loses the bout at UFC 310.
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But no matter who the opponent would be, Asakura declared that he’d love to fight in his homeland. During the UFC 310 media day, the Japanese star said, “I explained to them we’d like the UFC to go back to Tokyo, but when I win this championship, things will change and we’re hoping to have the UFC come back to Japan to showcase and highlight what great MMA talent exists in Japan.” But what if Asakura loses his UFC debut fight? In that case, he has a few more options available. Let’s see who they are.
What if Asakura loses at UFC 310?
Coming to UFC 310, Asakura has promised to give the fans a truly enjoyable fight. He said, “The UFC fans have never seen anybody like me fight ever before. I always aim to go for a KO finish. I’m an exciting fighter and I’m here to bring excitement back to the flyweight division.” But there is still a chance he can lose against ‘The Cannibal’.
Even if the Japanese ace comes up short in his debut, Dana White would probably let Asakura go up against a ranked opponent. After all, Asakura is a highly celebrated athlete in Japan. Following his loss, he should fight the #2 contender, Brandon Moreno, or #4 flyweight fighter, Kai Kara-France. His next fight might also be against Tairo, a fellow Japanese star. This would, no doubt, be a huge attraction if the UFC head honcho ever decided to take the UFC back to Japan, don’t you think?
For now, the former RIZIN bantamweight champion has to stay focused on taking down Pantoja. With 21 wins and 4 defeats, Asakura would certainly try his best to finish the Brazilian. But one simply can’t underestimate Pantoja’s grappling prowess. Nevertheless, the outcome of the fight is something that only time can tell.
Do you think ‘The Cannibal’ can defend his championship title against the Japanese prospect? Let us know what you’ve predicted about UFC 310 in the comments down below.
