Alexandre Pantoja won the flyweight belt in a split decision against Brandon Moreno at UFC 290 in a surprise upset. The highly anticipated fight displayed both fighters’ talent and skill as they fought head-to-head in a riveting clash. Pantoja’s planned attacks and smart strategy finally seem to have won him the championship, ending Moreno’s run as flyweight champion.
The split decision brought an air of controversy to the bout, dividing fans and analysts. Pantoja has clearly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the flyweight class, laying the groundwork for potentially thrilling future UFC bouts.
Alexandre Pantoja beats Brandon Moreno at UFC 290
In a high-voltage encounter at UFC 290, Alexandre Pantoja emerged victorious over Brandon Moreno for the third time, this time capturing the flyweight title. The rivalry between these two fighters dates back several years, with Pantoja initially defeating Moreno on The Ultimate Fighter reality TV show. Despite being cut by the UFC after their second professional bout, Moreno made a triumphant return and earned the flyweight championship.
The fight started with Pantoja displaying his aggression, but Moreno quickly turned the tables, pressing his opponent against the fence. The crowd rallied behind Moreno as he showcased his striking skills. However, Pantoja landed a powerful left hand that dropped Moreno, causing a momentary silence in the arena.
Throughout the bout, both fighters displayed their resilience and determination. Moreno showed his grappling prowess, while Pantoja countered with effective ground-and-pound. The pace remained high, with both competitors showcasing their skills in each round.
In the end, the judges’ scorecards reflected a split decision victory for Pantoja, with scores of 46-49, 48-47, and 48-47. The Brazilian fighter expressed his gratitude and acknowledged Moreno’s evolution as a tough opponent. With this win, Pantoja solidified his place as the new flyweight champion.
Alexandre Pantoja wins first UFC belt of his career
Alexandre Pantoja continued his dominance over Brandon Moreno, securing a third victory and claiming the UFC flyweight title at UFC 290. The co-main event held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas showcased their skills in an epic showdown, with Pantoja ultimately emerging victorious via a split decision (46-49, 48-47, 48-47).
ALEXANDRE PANTOJA BY SPLIT DECISION!!
We have a new flyweight world champion in @PantojaMMA! #UFC290 pic.twitter.com/ocbKi9JFAm
— UFC (@ufc) July 9, 2023
As Bruce Buffer announced the result with the words “And New!” fans hailed the fight as one of the best in the flyweight division’s history. This win solidified Pantoja’s superiority over Moreno, having previously defeated him twice.
Their initial encounter was during “TUF 24” in 2016, where Pantoja secured a submission victory via a rear-naked choke. Their second professional bout at UFC Fight Night 129 in 2018 ended in Pantoja’s favor with a unanimous decision.
With four consecutive wins under his belt, including triumphs over Manel Kape, Brandon Royval, and Alex Perez, Pantoja’s impressive journey led him to the pinnacle of the flyweight division. Moreno, on the other hand, had his two-title reign halted, ending his winning streak. The intense rivalry between Pantoja and Moreno has captivated many fans, solidifying their places among the top contenders in the UFC flyweight division.
