Looking for the latest UFC 290 picks, using industry-leading tools and data, we make our Brandon Moreno-Alexandre Pantoja prediction for what should be an exciting fight.
With the flyweight crown on the line Brandon Moreno takes on Alexandre Pantoja as a -210 favorite. After dueling Deiveson Figueiredo for the better part of three years, Moreno finally put that rivalry behind him with a knockout with a knockout win in January. Moreno is now 3-1 in his last four fights with that lone loss also coming against Figueiredo. On the other side, Pantoja comes in with a 25-5 record. Now 3-0 in his last three fights, Pantoja most recently submitted Alex Perez in July a year ago. Interestingly, Pantoja holds a pair of head-to-head wins over Moreno from the Ultimate Fighter and in 2018.
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UFC 290 Picks: Brandon Moreno-Alexandre Pantoja Prediction
Brandon Moreno vs. Alexandre Pantoja Odds
Brandon Moreno: -210 | Alexandre Pantoja: +170
With the flyweight crown on the line Brandon Moreno takes on Alexandre Pantoja as a -210 favorite. After dueling Deiveson Figueiredo for the better part of three years, Moreno finally put that rivalry behind him with a knockout with a knockout win in January. Moreno is now 3-1 in his last four fights with that lone loss also coming against Figueiredo. On the other side, Pantoja comes in with a 25-5 record. Now 3-0 in his last three fights, Pantoja most recently submitted Alex Perez in July a year ago. Interestingly, Pantoja holds a pair of head-to-head wins over Moreno from the Ultimate Fighter and in 2018.
A BJJ black belt, Moreno remains one of the most well-rounded fighters in the entire UFC. He lands 3.55 significant strikes per minute, while absorbing 3.19. He also lands 1.8 takedowns per bout, while defending them at 67%. Moreno possesses elite grappling ability and rarely finds himself controlled on the mat. Of his 21 wins, Moreno holds five knockouts and 11 submissions. He has never been finished inside the Octagon.
Also a credentialed black belt, Pantoja averages 1.37 takedowns per bout, while defending them at 67% as well. Of his 25 wins, he has eight knockouts and 11 submissions. On the feet, Pantoja lands 4.25 significant strikes per minute, while absorbing 3.38 himself. Wherever the fight goes, Pantoja possesses the skills to compete.
A tough fight to handicap, Pantoja’s two wins against Moreno’s monumental improvements will be the difference. Since the second Moreno win, Pantoja’s only losses came against Figueiredo and Askar Askarov. While Moreno deserves the favorite tag for his recent accomplishment, this number may be a bit inflated. Taking Pantoja at the underdog price looks particularly enticing here.
