UFC Vegas 34 features a flyweight fight between Alexandre Pantoja and Brandon Royval to kick off the main card. Ranked #3 and #6 in the flyweight division would clash with each other to become the next championship contender. Also, considering their fighting style, This bout has the potential to become the fight of the night.
Alexandre Pantoja is coming off a unanimous decision win over former Rizin champion Manel Kape. However, he has lost 2 of his last 4 fights. His last loss came to Askar Askarov a year ago, the current title contender and the other loss was against Deiveson Figueiredo, the former champion. This shows that his losses have only come to the very best in the division.
On the other hand, Brandon Royval is coming off his first defeat in his UFC career. Brandon was on an impressive four-fight win streak before losing to current champion Brandon Moreno via first-round TKO.
Alexandre Pantoja vs Brandon Royval Stats:
Stats | Alexandre Pantoja | Royval Stats |
---|---|---|
Wins | 23 | 12 |
Losses | 5 | 5 |
Height | 5’5″ (166cm) | 5’9″ (175cm) |
Division | Flyweight | Flyweight |
Weigh-in results | 126.0 lbs | 125.5 lbs |
Reach | 68.0″ | 70.5″ |
Alexandre Pantoja vs Brandon Royval fight breakdown and prediction:
Alexandre is an aggressive fighter who always looks for the finish. Pantoja’s power in close range is deadly. But, this doesn’t mean that he lacks in other departments. His knockout-submission-decision ratio is 8-8-7. This shows his all-round game inside the octagon. Pantoja is a creative grappler who tries to execute a wide range of submissions making it difficult to prepare for.
Brandon Royval is also one of the most dynamic grapplers in the division. Royval has 8 submissions on his record, matching Alexandre. Even though Brandon is not as powerful as Alexandre he can make it up with the volume strikes. Royval also has a 3″reach advantage against Pantoja which will complement his southpaw stance in order to strike from the outside.
Keeping their strengths and all-round ability into consideration, it is safe to say that the fight will go three rounds. Pantoja’s power won’t be enough to finish Royval. The result can go either way but, Alexandre is experienced and also has a slightly better technique which will favor him.