In an exhilarating clash at UFC 290, Alexandre Pantoja emerged victorious over Brandon Moreno, securing the UFC flyweight title. The relentless determination displayed by both fighters in their back-and-forth contest made this fight a strong contender for the Fight of the Year. Pantoja’s win further solidifies his dominance over Moreno, as he extends his unbeaten streak against his rival to three victories. Let’s delve into the captivating details of this intense showdown.
A Fierce Rivalry Renewed
Despite coming off a successful quadrilogy with Deiveson Figueiredo, Brandon Moreno faced an uphill battle against Alexandre Pantoja, whom he had failed to defeat in their previous encounters. Pantoja’s mastery over Moreno remained unchallenged, and the stage was set for another thrilling confrontation between these two flyweight contenders.
#UFC290 Official Scorecards: Brandon Moreno vs Alexandre Pantoja (@PantojaMMA)
— UFC News (@UFCNews) July 9, 2023
See every scorecard here ➡️: https://t.co/LfRYMAVEVg pic.twitter.com/sCRq0CYgNY
A Showcase of Warrior Spirit
The clash between Pantoja and Moreno truly embodied the essence of the warrior spirit. Both the champion and the challenger fought tooth and nail in a contest that pushed them to their limits, culminating in an intense battle that required all five rounds to determine the winner. Pantoja’s powerful left hook in Round 1, which sent Moreno to the canvas, proved to be a pivotal moment in the fight, showcasing the fight’s most decisive round. However, Moreno responded with crisp boxing combinations that snapped Pantoja’s head back, demonstrating his resilience.
Momentum Swings and Split Decision Drama
As the fight progressed, Pantoja’s well-executed takedowns played a crucial role in securing swing rounds. The split decision outcome reflected the fight’s closely contested nature, with two judges awarding Rounds 1, 3, and 5 to Pantoja, while Moreno received recognition for his efforts in Rounds 2 and 4. The constant shifts in momentum heightened the excitement and unpredictability of the bout, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
A Well-Earned Victory and a Proud Legacy
In a post-fight interview, Pantoja acknowledged Moreno’s tenacity and the challenges he posed during the match, earning his respect. Pantoja’s win held added significance as it marked his third triumph over Moreno, having previously defeated him in an exhibition fight during season 24 of “The Ultimate Fighter” and in a subsequent bout that led to Moreno’s temporary release from the UFC. Pantoja’s victory not only secured the flyweight title but also ended Brazil’s recent drought of UFC champions, bringing immense pride to his nation.
Alexandre Pantoja (@PantojaMMA) is the 5th undisputed @UFC flyweight champion.
— UFC News (@UFCNews) July 9, 2023
All #UFC290 Fight Results ⤵️
The Path Ahead
With the flyweight title now firmly in his grasp, Pantoja faces intriguing possibilities for his future as the champion. While Moreno may have earned a chance at an immediate rematch, he might prefer to pursue other opponents after engaging in multiple fights against Figueiredo. Promising contenders such as Amir Albazi, undefeated in the UFC at 5-0, and Brandon Royval, who recently secured a three-fight win streak, present compelling options for Pantoja’s next title defense.
Alexandre Pantoja’s captivating victory over Brandon Moreno at UFC 290 showcased the heart and skill of both fighters, resulting in a fight that will be remembered as a true test of warrior spirit. Pantoja’s reign as the new UFC flyweight champion not only adds to his legacy but also brings the championship back to Brazil. As the division looks ahead, fans eagerly anticipate the next thrilling chapter in Pantoja’s journey as he navigates the challenges that come with being the flyweight kingpin.
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