In a highly anticipated co-main event at UFC 296 inside T-Mobile Arena, Alexandre Pantoja successfully defended his flyweight championship against Brandon Royval. Pantoja showcased his exceptional skills and outworked Royval, earning a clear decision victory. Despite facing some challenges throughout the five-round affair, Pantoja’s dominance on the ground ultimately secured his win.
Although Pantoja appeared fatigued midway through the fight, he displayed his resilience and determination by maintaining control over Royval. Despite the subpar energy level, Pantoja’s ground game shone through, leading him to unanimous judges’ scores of 50-45, 50-45, and 49-46 in his favor. This win marked Pantoja’s second victory over Royval after their initial encounter in August 2021, where Pantoja emerged victorious by submission.
Reflecting on his performance, Pantoja was critical of the fight, expressing dissatisfaction with his approach. He acknowledged that the fight may have been somewhat underwhelming, focusing on the importance of keeping the championship belt for his family and serving as a role model for his home country, Brazil. Pantoja recognized the challenging circumstances in Brazil and his desire to inspire hope in such troubled times.
Brandon Royval, hailing from Colorado, showcased his resilience and remained fresh until the end of the fight. However, Royval struggled to find answers to Pantoja’s dominant grappling throughout the match. Despite effectively landing his jabs and earning Pantoja’s respect on their feet, Royval faced difficulties countering Pantoja’s takedowns. Pantoja successfully executed eight takedowns, solidifying his control over Royval, even when his own energy levels faltered.
Pantoja’s victory was not solely dependent on his ground control. He displayed impressive offensive skills, threatening submissions whenever the opportunity presented itself. Pantoja consistently passed Royval’s guard, coming close to securing a rear-naked choke in the fourth round. Additionally, Pantoja’s striking game showcased moments of brilliance. He landed a powerful right hand in the second round, visibly shaking Royval and demonstrating his versatility as a fighter.
The Final Round and Overall Impression
In the final round, Royval regained some momentum with his consistent jab. However, Pantoja quickly shut down any potential threat by executing a takedown, nullifying Royval’s striking advantage. With his dominant performance, Pantoja solidified his position as the undeniable number one flyweight in the world. This victory adds to his impressive record, which includes three victories over former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno, further attesting to Pantoja’s exceptional skills and dominance within the division.
Alexandre Pantoja’s flyweight championship defense at UFC 296 showcased his ability to overcome challenges and remain resilient. Despite moments of fatigue, Pantoja’s grappling expertise and offensive prowess allowed him to secure a clear decision victory. With his continued dominance over Royval and previous victories against top contenders, Pantoja has solidified himself as the leading force in the flyweight division. His determination to be a role model and inspire hope in his home country of Brazil further adds to his commendable character and athletic achievements.
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