Alexandre Pantoja was once again unwilling to make room for anyone else at the top.
The American Top Team-trained Brazilian put promotional newcomer Kai Asakura to sleep with a palm-to-palm rear-naked choke, as he retained the Ultimate Fighting Championship flyweight crown in the second round of their UFC 310 headliner on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Asakura (21-5, 0-1 UFC) blacked out 2:05 into Round 2.
Champion and challenger traded barbs throughout a compelling first round. Pantoja (29-5, 13-3 UFC) threw more and landed more while also mixing in a takedown.