Alexandre Pantoja is looking to defend his belt for the 3rd time, but this time it is against a UFC newcomer.

There's no better way to test a weight cut than a title fight against a pressure wrestler. Kai Asakura is a very exciting guy and a great signing by the UFC. He is a Japanese superstar who would be a far more exciting champion than Pantoja. But unfortunately I don't see him winning here. He hasn't fought a ton of grapplers, he doesn't fight as well moving back as he does forward, he will be fighting in the UFC for the first time and he likely gasses because of the cut. Pantoja is the pick and i don't hate his odds here at -235

Alexandre Pantoja

Alexandre Pantoja loves to walk forward and go to work. He has ok power and gives damage but he's mostly a fantastic grappler with good control and ground and pound. His striking is pretty formulaic and he doesn't take too many risks, but it's effective when combined with his power and pressure. He's incredibly durable and the only people who have really been able to beat him did it with wrestling and control. He is coming off his second title defense with a close win over Steve Erceg where he had 9 takedowns

Kai Asakura

Kai Asakura is a 135lber who is making his UFC debut at 125lbs in a title fight. Style wise he is a fast and aggressive striker that thrives in the Pride style rules that allows knees, and kicks to the head. He is lightening fast, very creatibve and has a ton of killer instinct. He never lets off the gas and has no issue putting himself in harms way to find a finish. He is very mobile and very hard to corner. The takedown defense is the biggest question because he hasn't fought a ton of wrestlers, let alone grapplers.