MMA Preview – Brandon Moreno vs Alexandre Pantoja 2 at UFC 290
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
BRANDON MORENO VS ALEXANDRE PANTOJA FACTS
When is UFC 290? Sunday 9th July, 2023 - 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 290? T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 290? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 290
What channel is UFC 290 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 290? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
BRANDON MORENO VS ALEXANDRE PANTOJA LOWDOWN
Brandon Moreno (21-6-2) has the flyweight strap in his hands and although we do not feel we have the appropriate closure, after four fights with Deiveson Figueiredo, many are glad the rivalry has been paused. Their first title-fight ended in a draw (2020) and then he claimed the belt for the first time with a third-round submission (2021). Figueiredo then snatched it back with a unanimous decision (2022) before taking a year out. In that time, Moreno folded Kai Kara-France with a TKO before taking the flyweight back off Figueiredo after swelling his eye shut in the third round.
The obvious choice for his second title defence is Alexandre Pantoja (25-5). He has two wins over the Mexican if you include the unanimous decision on The Ultimate Fighter 24 in 2016. He earnt the second in 2018 and is now 9-3 in the UFC coming off three quality wins. He outpointed Manel Kape (2021) then put on two ‘Performance of the Night’ displays submitting Brandon Royval (2021) and Alex Perez (2022).
BRANDON MORENO VS ALEXANDRE PANTOJA PREDICTION
This is destined to be an exciting scrap with high-level Mixed Martial Arts on display. They are both extremely well-rounded with their greatest strengths being Moreno’s cardio and pressure and Pantoja’s grappling.
Moreno is more technical, but Pantoja packs more power and is more of a knockout threat. He will also be a severe threat if they hit the deck however, Moreno has dealt with a similar threat from Figueiredo for over 77 minutes.
He will have all the confidence as well as the durability to absorb what Pantoja has offer for the first couple rounds. He can then enforce his will with his pace overwhelming the Brazilian.
His output and wrestling can wear him down to bag the last three rounds at least and we are backing him to earn a decision. However, we expect Pantoja to take this to the wire and considering the odds, he is worth a punt.
Prediction: Moreno via Decision
Value bet: Pantoja to win
