The Pantoja vs Asakura odds suggest the champ will retain his flyweight title when Alexandre Pantoja welcomes promotional newcomer Kai Asakura at UFC 310 on December 7.
The UFC wants some new blood in the 125-pound division, and the Japanese native Asakura comes directly from Rizin, where he was the bantamweight champ.
Keep reading for our Pantoja vs Asakura odds, picks, and betting preview ahead of UFC 310.
Pantoja vs Asakura Odds
Odds as of November 6 at BetMGM
How To Bet Pantoja
Pantoja is very strong for flyweight and, thanks to his excellent BJJ background, will find an edge in the clinching and grappling department vs Asakura, who is mainly a striker.
For betting Pantoja, I'm teetering between him by decision or by submission, as it's unlikely he'll be able to successfully plant and throw hands with a seasoned fighter like Asakura. Maybe there's a ground-and-pound KO there, but I'd go elsewhere.
While "The Cannibal" has a mean back-take and a hell of a squeeze, if we're playing the odds, his last three fights have all gone 25 minutes, so I'll be headed that way again at UFC 310.
How To Bet Asakura
Kai is a very fluid striker who leans on his natural talent to tee up quick and powerful combos. In this sense, he will have Pantoja outgunned at UFC 310. However, there are two obstacles to a big Asakura upset.
Firstly, I have concerns about how he handles the cut to 125 pounds. The ex-Rizin champ hasn't fought at flyweight in over seven years, and he missed weight in that fight. Not great.
Secondly, Pantoja has never been stopped in 33 pro MMA fights. Only Deiveson Figueiredo even knocked him down. Barring a crazy development, this fight will drag into Rounds 3 and 4 with a weight-drained Asakura. Again, not great for KO opportunities.
If you fancy the underdog, bet Asakura straight up.
Pantoja vs Asakura Betting Pick
I gotta play it basic and roll with my boy Pantoja to keep up his winning ways. Asakura is intriguing, but a jump into the deep end, especially at 125 pounds, won't do him well.