Alexandre Pantoja vs Brandon Royval Analysis and Prediction
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Alexandre Pantoja (23-5) vs Brandon Royval (12-5)
Flyweight (125)
Alexandre Pantoja
Back control man versus an aggressive scrambler who has been punished from behind by both Brandon Moreno and Tim Elliot in recent memory? If Pantoja can lock up Royval in a static position on the mat, the Brazilian can effectively prevent Royval’s wild pace and rack up rounds on the scorecards. A reactive counter-puncher, Pantoja may lack the nuance to set up traps, yet Royval will happily create his own demise. Pantoja’s leg and body kicks will pay dividends later in the fight by forcing Royval to settle into a one-note pace and removing his element of surprise. Finally, Pantoja’s notorious durability and solid jab, perhaps the strongest in the division, all point towards a rude awakening for Royval.
Brandon Royval
Brandon Royval is the fast food of MMA. Non-stop entertainment with an aggressive style on the feet and mat, but there’s always the lingering notion that it is often ugly, unrefined work. Still, Royval is a slick submission artist who has made huge strides in his striking. While not technically crisp, nor will it ever be, Royval lays down an emphatic pace and maintains relentless pressure. Kai-Kara France was overwhelmed by Royval, who benefitted from freakish recovery time and heart. If an opponent backs themself onto the cage, Royval can drown opponents in volume and creative explosive shots. Pantoja hits far harder than Kara-France, however, and if Royval wades in with the same recklessness – it may end up being a toss-up where the Brazilian’s power proves key. Coming off a huge shoulder injury sustained during the Moreno fight last time out, questions remain whether Royval is the same fighter as before.
Predicted Result: Pantoja TKO Round 3
Back control man versus an aggressive scrambler who has been punished from behind by both Brandon Moreno and Tim Elliot in recent memory? A reactive counter-puncher, Pantoja may lack the nuance to set up traps, yet Royval will happily create his own demise. If an opponent backs themself onto the cage, Royval can drown opponents in volume and creative explosive shots. Pantoja hits far harder than Kara-France, however, and if Royval wades in with the same recklessness – it may end up being a toss-up where the Brazilian’s power proves key. Moreover, Pantoja’s leg and body kicks will pay dividends later in the fight by forcing Royval to settle into a one-note pace and removing his element of surprise.
Want to view analysis and predictions for all the match-ups on UFC on ESPN 29?
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