UFC President Dana White delivered on his promise to address the main event challenges for UFC 310, revealing a reshaped lineup that bolsters both UFC 310 and the UFC Tampa Fight Night card.
Following the ceremonial weigh-ins for UFC 309, White announced significant updates to the December schedule. The UFC men’s flyweight title bout between reigning champion Alexandre Pantoja and Japanese contender Kai Asakura, originally slated as the co-main event of UFC 310, has been elevated to the headliner position.
In a newly confirmed co-main event, unbeaten welterweight sensations Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry will square off in a highly anticipated clash. According to White, the winner will earn a title shot against current welterweight champion Belal Muhammad in early 2025.
The changes come after Muhammad, originally scheduled to defend his title against Rakhmonov in the UFC 310 main event, was forced to withdraw due to a toe injury. Garry, who had been scheduled to headline UFC Tampa on December 14 against Joaquin Buckley, was tapped as Rakhmonov’s new opponent to preserve the pay-per-view’s star power.
UFC Tampa Gets a Fresh Headliner
Despite the adjustments, UFC Tampa will still feature a compelling main event. Former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington will step in to face Buckley, setting up a high-stakes showdown. Covington returns to the Octagon for the first time since his unanimous decision loss to Leon Edwards in December 2023, while Buckley rides the momentum of a spectacular knockout victory over Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson in October.
The outcome of the Covington-Buckley fight could position the winner as a top contender behind whoever emerges victorious between Rakhmonov and Garry.
Fighters React
Both Rakhmonov and Garry wasted no time exchanging messages on social media after the announcement, signaling their excitement for the pivotal matchup. The reshuffled bouts highlight the UFC’s adaptability in ensuring fans receive high-quality, action-packed events even amidst unforeseen challenges.
With these updates, December promises to deliver thrilling action as fighters vie for divisional supremacy and a chance at UFC gold.