UFC 296 Betting Prediction: Alexandre Pantoja vs. Brandon Royval Jr. 12/16/2023 – The UFC Flyweight title is on the line this Friday, December 16th, 2023 when Alexandre Pantoja takes on Brandon Royval in the co-main event of UFC 296 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. These top flyweights first met back in 2020 with Royval scoring a TKO victory, but Pantoja has been on a tear since with wins in his last four bouts. Let’s take a closer look at both competitor’s skills and recent performances to make our UFC free picks for this championship fight.
Alexandre Pantoja vs. Brandon Royval Jr. Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
Alexandre Pantoja Analysis
Alexandre “The Cannibal” Pantoja enters with an outstanding 26-5 record and significant improvements since his last fight with Royval. The Brazilian packs a serious punch with 4.41 significant strikes landed per minute at a 48% clip. He mixes up damaging blows to the head and body, firing accurate knees and elbows in the clinch. Pantoja’s takedown offense has also grown, securing 1.75 per 15 minutes with a 44% accuracy rate. Once on the mat, he unleashes ground-and-pound while threatening with rear naked chokes and arm triangles. While not a big finisher recently, Pantoja is wearing down opponents with volume, versatility, and cardio over three/five rounds. In his first-round TKO loss to Royval in 2020, he rushed into exchanges and was caught early. But over his last four fights, Pantoja has shown marked improvements in technique and fight IQ against top-ranked competition. With dominant win over Moreno, he has captured and defended the interim title while waiting for another shot at undisputed gold.
Brandon Royval Analysis
Brandon “Raw Dawg” Royval is an extremely dangerous UFC flyweight contender holding a 15-6 record. The American southpaw brings creative striking from tricky angles, landing over 3 significant shots per minute at a 38% clip. His unorthodox movement and shot selection allows him tooften catch opponents by surprise with spinning attacks and sneaky elbows. While takedown defense remains an area to improve at just 39%, Royval is a submission wizard on the mat. He attempts a whopping 2.3 submissions per 15 minutes, constantly hunting for guillotines and rear naked chokes against anyone in his guard. Also boasting nasty ground strikes, Royval owns 10 career wins by submission. In his first match with Pantoja, Royval came out hot with punishing blows that had the Brazilian reeling. Smelling blood, he charged forward recklessly and scored a quick TKO inside two minutes. Since then, Royval has continued looking dynamic with three first-round finishes over quality competition. If he survives Pantoja’s improved striking this time, his sneaky submissions provide a clear avenue to reclaim UFC gold.
Alexandre Pantoja vs. Brandon Royval Jr. Stats
| Pantoja | Royval | |
| Wins/Losses/Draws | 26-5-0 | 15-6-0 |
| Average Fight Time | 11:11 | 6:28 |
| Height | 5′ 5″ | 5′ 9″ |
| Weight | 125 lbs. | 125 lbs. |
| Reach | 67″ | 68″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Southpaw |
| Strikes Landed per Min. | 4.41 | 3.45 |
| Striking Accuracy | 48% | 38% |
| Strikes Absorbed per Min. | 3.81 | 2.63 |
| Defense | 51% | 50% |
| Takedowns Average/15 min. | 1.75 | 0.66 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 44% | 100% |
| Takedown Defense | 66% | 39% |
| Submission Average/15 min. | 1.0 | 2.3 |
Alexandre Pantoja vs. Brandon Royval Jr. Betting Pick
Considering the statistics, performance history, and fighting styles of both athletes, making a prediction for this bout is challenging yet exhilarating. Alexandre Pantoja’s experience, striking accuracy, and grappling defense seem to give him a slight edge in a matchup that’s as unpredictable as any picks scenario. Pantoja’s ability to endure longer fights and his tactical striking could be key in overcoming Royval’s aggressive grappling and submission attempts.
Therefore, the pick for this fight leans towards Alexandre Pantoja. His balanced approach in both striking and grappling, combined with his experience in high-stakes matches, positions him as the likely victor in this flyweight title bout.
Free Pick: Alexandre Pantoja -170
In conclusion, UFC 296’s flyweight title bout between Alexandre Pantoja and Brandon Royval is anticipated to be a masterclass in mixed martial arts. This encounter is not just a clash of fists and techniques, but a battle of strategic minds and indomitable spirits. In the realm of top online casino, Pantoja emerges as the likely victor, backed by a harmonious blend of technical finesse, strategic depth, and a track record of triumph in high-intensity scenarios. His comprehensive skill set and ability to navigate the ebbs and flows of a high-stakes fight slightly tip the scales in his favor. However, the inherent unpredictability and raw excitement that define UFC battles ensure that this matchup remains an exhilarating spectacle, one that promises to captivate both seasoned MMA aficionados and newcomers to the sport.
