Three Takeaways as Pantoja Snoozes Asakura

The heavily awaited flyweight title fight between Alexandre Pantoja and rookie Kai Asakura was one of the ages. It was the last Pay-Per-View event for the year.

After initially being promoted a co-main event, it was eventually moved up to the main event after Welterweight champion Belal Muhammad had to pull out of the match, which would have been his first defense of his title against the challenger, Shavkat Rakhmonov.

‘The Cannibal’

Pantoja came out with power. He quickly established his dominance over Asakura by getting him down on the mat with a powerful knee to the head of Asakura. In the initial round, Pantoja took over and proved why he’s nicknamed ‘The Cannibal’.

The Game Changer

The champ showed the newcomer why he was there. Pantoja quickly flanked to Asakura’s back and proceeded to choke Asakura unconscious in the second round. This was Asakura’s first time in the UFC octagon.

The Champion is Reclaimed

Alexandre Pantoja was crowned flyweight champion of the world once again. This was Pantoja’s third successful defense of his title.

As reported by MMAjunki.usatoday.com, in his post-fight interview, Alexandre Pantoja called out rival Demetrious Johnson saying, “I’m the GOAT here. If you want to prove you’re the GOAT, come back.”