What’s next for Brandon Moreno?
In the co-main event of UFC 290, Brandon Moreno faced off against Alexandre Pantoja in a highly anticipated rematch for the flyweight title. The two fighters had faced each other twice before, with Pantoja winning both. However, Brandon Moreno was determined to come out on top this time around.
Alexandre Pantoza by split decision!!
We Have A New Flyweight World Champion @pantojamma, #UFC290 pic.twitter.com/ocbKi9JFAm
— UFC (@ufc) 9 July 2023
The fight was a back-and-forth fight, with both fighters landing significant strikes and grappling throughout the course of five rounds. Brandon Moreno showed excellent striking skills and landed several hard shots that hurt Pantoja. However, Pantoja was able to use his superior fighting form to wear Moreno down and control him on the ground.
In the end, the judges scored the fight in favor of Pantoja, with two judges clearing him with scores of 48–47 and 49–46, while the final judge scored the fight 49–46 for Brandon Moreno. It was a disappointing loss for Brandon Moreno, as a large number of Mexican fans were cheering him on and he did not want to lose in front of a home crowd. With that said, let’s take a look at what may be next for the former flyweight champion.
Alexandre Pantoja
While it may not be the most immediate option, there could be a rematch with Pantoza for Brandon Moreno. The two fighters have already faced each other three times, with Pantoja winning all three, but this fight ended in a split decision as the most competitive. Although most fight fans are not keen on seeing a rematch, especially one that will be the number four fight between these two fighters, this fight certainly deserves a rematch. This fight was fight of the night at UFC 290 and could arguably be fight of the year, that’s how good it was. A fourth fight between these two would be highly anticipated and would provide Moreno with an opportunity to avenge his loss.
Amir Albazi
The fight with Brandon Royval makes more sense as it looks like he’s the top contender in the division at the moment, but it looks like Royval could be next in line for a title shot, with a fight with rising Amir Albazy making the most sense Holds … Albazzi Kai is coming off his first main event fight and win over former title challenger in Cara-France which he won via split decision. Albazzi showed a strong striking game with a grappling background similar to Alexandre Pantoza’s and a granite chin that could trouble Brandon Moreno. This fight will definitely be one that the fans would love to see happen as it will bring in a lot of excitement.
Kai Cara – winner of France vs. Manel Cape
It seems like the least chance of a fight getting out of the group, especially if Kai Cara-France is the winner, simply because Brandon Moreno eliminated him so early. As noted, a fight between Moreno and Cara-France or Manel Cape would surely have had fireworks written all over it. Kepp is rising up the rankings and will be looking for his biggest win yet when he takes on Cara-France at UFC 293. The fight with Cape and Moreno will be a great battle between two powerful strikers who will want to knock down . Whether it is Kara-France or Cape who comes out on top, the battle with former champ Brandon Moreno will be one to watch for all.
