For a third time in 2023, the UFC flyweight title is on the line.
Newly crowned UFC Champion Alexandre Pantoja is set to defend his title against former foe Brandon Royval. Pantoja first beat Royval three fights ago, winning by submission.
‘The Cannibal’ tries to go 2-0 against the challenger as Royval looks to avenge his last loss and get a title while he’s at it.
Round 1:
Pantoja starts the fight off with a quick blitz. Pantoja and Royval exchange leg kicks. Pantoja goes for body kicks, some of which land effectively. Pantoja lands knees to the body before getting a takedown on the challenger. Pantoja establishes top control against the cage. From his back, Royval lands upkicks and more strikes on the toppling Pantoja.
Royval looks to grab one of Pantoja’s legs but fails. Pantoja remains in top position after some movement on the ground. Royval finally gets back up to his feet. Pantoja fires a body kick and then a leg kick.
CDS: 10-9 Pantoja
Round 2:
Royval eats a kick to the body. It takes him more than a minute but Pantoja manages to get a takedown on Royval in the center of the Octagon. Royval has no answer for Pantoja’s top control. Royval lands punches from the bottom position. Pantoja fires back at him with his own shots. Pantoja gets more aggressive in his approach. They stand back up only for Pantoja to seize control of Royval again on the canvas.
CDS: 10-9 Pantoja
Round 3:
Pantoja pressures Royval to open up the round. After some time spent on the feet, Pantoja grabs another takedown on Royval. Pantoja tries to secure Royval’s back but fails. Royval returns to his feet. Pantoja is denied another takedown from Royval on two occasions. Pantoja looks to land to the body with Royval head-hunting. Pantoja eats a few jabs from Royval. Royval goes for a knee and Pantoja turns it around with a successful takedown.
Pantoja ends the round on top, with the two fighters slugging it out in their grounded positions.
CDS: 10-9 Pantoja
Round 4:
Pantoja snags yet another takedown to begin the championship rounds. Pantoja is masterful in scrambles and secures the back of Royval. A body triangle is wrapped around the waist of Pantoja. Royval fights the hands and his legs crawl up the cage. Royval survives the submission threat from Pantoja in his advantageous position. Pantoja goes for a leg kick but Royval defends, unleashing strikes before the bell sounds.
CDS: 10-9 Pantoja
Round 5:
Pantoja and Royval trade strikes in the pocket. Royval lands big on the champion. Pantoja fires with leg kicks. Royval continues head-hunting. They clinch against the cage and eventually separate. Royval keeps up the pace, piecing up Pantoja. Pantoja shoots for a takedown but receives some punishment on his way in. Pantoja does end up finding the takedown.
Pantoja lands short shots from top. Pantoja remains on top for the rest round, closing the fight with a flurry of punches. The fight goes the distance.
CDS: 10-9 Pantoja (total score: 50-45 Pantoja)
Official result: Alexandre Pantoja Defeats Brandon Royval by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 49-46)
Check out the highlights below:
Here we go… your #UFC296 co-main event starts NOW!! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/C1TICVoC05
— UFC (@ufc) December 17, 2023
Our co-main is headed to championship rounds!
— UFC (@ufc) December 17, 2023
Who's winning on your scorecards? 📝 #UFC296 pic.twitter.com/8BSbbL6y4m
25 minutes in the books!
— UFC (@ufc) December 17, 2023
Pantoja and Royval go the distance as we head to the judges' scorecards #UFC296 pic.twitter.com/EohKPQ7jX8
Before celebrating with his team, Alexandre Pantoja congratulates Brandon Royval on a hard fight 👏 #UFC296 pic.twitter.com/5nXby3I5yU
— UFC (@ufc) December 17, 2023
Pantoja on how the fight went with Brandon Royval in their rematch #UFC296 pic.twitter.com/iFrc8fN9Bt
— UFC (@ufc) December 17, 2023
