Alexandre Pantoja vs. Brandon Royval Odds, Preview and Prediction (August 21): UFC

Odds

Time (Main Card)	10:00 p.m. EST
Alexandre Pantoja money line	-175
Brandon Royval money line	+150

 

Key stats

	Alexandre Pantoja	Brandon Royval
Height	5'5	5'9
Weigh	125	125
Reach	67"	68"
Record	23-5	12-5
Streak	W1	L1
Last 5	3-2	4-1

 

Preview

Exciting Flyweights go to battle, as Alexandre Pantoja looks to extend his win streak to two against ‘Raw Dog’ Brandon Royval. In a division that lacks contenders, this fight is very important. A win for either puts them squarely in the mix of a title shot. Pantoja is coming off a win over Manel Kape. He showed excellent striking, and takedown down over the course of the three rounds. Meanwhile, Royval is fighting for the first time since injuring his shoulder in a loss to the now current Flyweight Champion, Brandon Moreno. Before the loss, Royval had won four consecutive fights, all via submission.

Prediction

In what is personally one of my favorite fights on the card, I envision a frantic fight early - with plenty of chaos and entertainment. If anything is certain, both men are very exciting to watch. Alexandre Pantoja is one of the best Flyweights on the planet, as he boasts well rounded abilities and excellent durability. Anytime you step inside the octagon with him, expect three hard rounds. As for Brandon Royval, his excitement comes with his wildness and pursuit of finishing his foes. Thus far in his three UFC fights, Royval has lit up the octagon with crazy finishes.

As for a prediction, I have Pantoja winning. Other than a flash knockdown that aides Royval to an advantageous position to lock in a submission, I don’t see a scenario where Pantoja loses this fight. For one, the Brazilian is a better striker, wrestler and grappler. Wherever this fight goes, he will be comfortable. Second, Royval is a bundle of energy that starts to fade the later the fight goes. Pantoja has solid cardio and thrives in fifteen minutes of action. Lastly, Royval is a submission hunter. In twenty eight professional fights, Pantoja has never been finished. So with all that said, and despite Royval being durable as well, I have Pantoja winning via submission.

PICK: Alexandre Pantoja (-175)

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