UFC’s final pay-per-view event of 2024 wrapped up at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, leaving fans buzzing with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming fights in 2025. Key fighters to keep an eye on include Alexandre Pantoja, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Ciryl Gane, who all showcased their talents on Saturday night.
Flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja efficiently dispatched his opponent Kai Asakura and afterwards issued a challenge to Demetrious Johnson, the division’s most accomplished fighter. Meanwhile, Shavkat Rakhmonov successfully defended his title shot in an intense bout against Ian Machado Garry, further solidifying his position in the welterweight hierarchy. Ciryl Gane also remains a serious contender for the heavyweight title despite some recent challenges.
In the flyweight division, a potential championship matchup between Pantoja and Kai Kara-France is on the horizon. Given that Kara-France is the highest-ranked flyweight contender Pantoja has yet to face and both fighters bring exciting stories to the table, this could be a clash worth watching. Additionally, a fight between Asakura and Steve Erceg may offer Asakura the chance to develop his overall skill set after showcasing impressive striking but needing improvement in other areas.
As for the welterweight division, a championship fight between Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov is a must-see, especially after their encounter was postponed earlier this year. Rakhmonov’s undefeated record and exciting style continue to capture fan interest. Ian Machado Garry, after an impressive performance against Rakhmonov, may find himself moving up in the rankings, and a bout against Colby Covington or Joaquin Buckley could help him continue his ascent toward the title.
In the heavyweight division, a possible title fight between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane hinges on the status of Jon Jones. With Gane expressing interest in competing twice in the coming year, a matchup against Jailton Almeida could prove to be a compelling bout if Almeida proves victorious in his next fight. Alexander Volkov, despite a controversial loss, is still in the mix and should not be overlooked; potential matchups with either Almeida or Serghei Spivac could keep him in the conversation for a title shot.
Overall, UFC 310 set the stage for several intriguing matchups that fans can eagerly anticipate as the sport moves toward an exciting 2025 season. The emerging talents and established stars highlight the UFC’s competitive spirit and variety, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to look forward to.