On December 7, all eyes will be on the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for UFC 310, where Belal Muhammad will step into the octagon for the first time as the welterweight champion. Holding an impressive record of 24 wins against just 3 losses, Muhammad secured the championship title by dominating Leon Edwards, a victory he earned via unanimous decision at UFC 304 in July. This title run marks a significant milestone for the 36-year-old fighter, who has worked tirelessly to reach this pinnacle of success in the fiercer-than-ever welterweight division.
However, his journey to solidifying his reign as champion will not be an easy one. Opposing him is Shavkat Rakhmonov, an undefeated prospect who boasts a staggering finishing rate of 100%. At just 29 years old, Rakhmonov enters this championship bout with a pristine record of 18-0, with each victory either by way of knockouts or submissions. Coming off a notable submission victory over Stephen Thompson in December 2023, Rakhmonov is potentially Muhammad’s toughest challenge to date, raising the stakes for both fighters as they head into this high-pressure encounter.
The Co-Main Event: A Champion’s Resolve
Adding to the excitement of UFC 310 is the highly anticipated co-main event featuring flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja defending his title against newcomer Kai Asakura. Pantoja, aged 34 and riding a six-fight winning streak, is no stranger to high-pressure situations. With a record of 28 wins and 5 losses, the Brazilian fighter successfully defended his championship against Steve Erceg at UFC 301 in May. Pantoja’s experience and grit could be pivotal as he prepares to face Asakura, who is making his UFC debut after a standout career in RIZIN where he held the bantamweight championship.
Asakura, 30 years old with an impressive overall record of 21-4, aims to make a monumental entrance into the UFC. Having been signed in June, he has trained rigorously to ensure that he is well-prepared to challenge Pantoja. The dynamic styles of these fighters could lead to a thrilling contest as they both aim for glory at UFC 310, further igniting the competitive spirit in the flyweight division.
Nick Diaz Returns: A Fan Favorite’s Comeback
In addition to the title fights, UFC 310 will mark the long-awaited return of veteran fighter Nick Diaz, who boasts a record of 26 wins and 10 losses. Diaz will take on Vicente Luque, who has a solid record of 22 wins, 10 losses, and 1 no contest. This matchup is particularly noteworthy as it will be Diaz’s first appearance since his stoppage loss to Robbie Lawler in September 2021. The excitement surrounding Diaz’s return is palpable, as he has garnered a dedicated fan base throughout his career known for his gritty fighting style and charismatic personality.
The match-up against Luque will be a critical test for Diaz, who seeks to reestablish himself in the welterweight division. Both fighters bring unique skill sets to the octagon, and their clash is anticipated to be a fan favorite.
As the date approaches, UFC 310 promises to deliver exhilarating matchups that could reshape the standings in both the welterweight and flyweight divisions, and fans worldwide are ready for an unforgettable night of fights.