The grappling of Alexandre Pantoja was just too much for Brandon Royval to overcome, as the UFC flyweight champion successfully defended his title with a one-sided unanimous decision in the co-main event of UFC 296.
Pantoja appeared aggressive in the opening round, looking to take control and do some damage early. Pantoja scored an early takedown on Royval, but the challenger had his defenses, firing counter punches and, while on the ground, upkicks. Royval looked for a leg lock and tried to get to Pantoja's back, but Pantoja scrambled and got into the mount, showing control until the fight returned to the feet.
Pantoja got off to a hot start again in the second, landing a strong right hand that got Royval's attention before taking him down again and smothering him in top position. Pantoja looked to either get into crucifix or full mount, but Royval escaped and got the fight back to the feet with about a minute left in the round. Pantoja, however, wobbled Royval again and got Royval back down after a head kick attempt.
Pantoja returned the fight to the ground once more in the third, but Royval was able to reverse position, and Pantoja had to avoid a choke attempt when Royval went after his neck. Pantoja was able to score a couple of more takedowns, though Royval showed better defenses and landed bigger shots in spite of being in a weaker position.
Pantoja, continuing to explore Royval's takedown defense weakness, scored another to start the fourth and looked for an arm-triangle and rear-naked choke, getting neither. Pantoja, however, remained on Royval's back with a triangle bodylock, pressuring him. With less than two minutes left in the round, Pantoja locked in a rear-naked choke, but Royval escaped the submission — and nearly the triangle. In fact, Royval got out and got on top in the final minute.
The two traded to begin the final round, with Royval seemingly taking advantage of Pantoja's fatigue and landing combinations. Pantoja attempted to limit the damage with a clinch, but Royval was able to get out of it. Halfway through the round, however, Pantoja got Royval against the fence and scored another couple of takedowns on Royval. In spite of Royval's efforts, he was continously outgrappled.
Pantoja nearly swept the scorecards, with two 50-45 scores and a 49-46, all in his clear favor.
UFC 296: Twitter reacts to Alexandre Pantoja vs. Brandon Royval
So much talent there these days. Mighty Mouse was so dominant he made it look like there was no one worthy of then he leaves and we see a huge uprise of talent.
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) December 17, 2023
Taira, Mokaev, Albazi, Moreno, Pantoja, Tagir, etc and the unsigned prospect Phumi Nkuta (7-0) https://t.co/MFs3sDIUiL
Pantoja is one of my favourite fighters but I’m telling you @AmirAlbazi is the uncrowned champ! #UFC296
— Javid Basharat (@JavidBasharat) December 17, 2023
Good job by Pantoja 👏🏼 #UFC296
— Arnold billy allen (@Arnoldbfa) December 17, 2023
Big congrats to my teammate Pantoja on successfully defending the title! #ATT #UFC296
— Movsar Evloev (@MovsarUFC) December 17, 2023
Alexandre Pantoja: “When Khabib say to Conor I’m gonna smash your boy, that’s what I’m going to do July 8th”.
— - (@AIKYGDLT) December 17, 2023
Congrats Pantoja 🤝
pic.twitter.com/UlQNpiBgXo
Pantoja deserved an easy and ‘damage-free’ win. He already gave that fans his everything vs Moreno and it’s impossible to give your all every single time. Glad he was able to neutralize someone as dangerous as Royval. #UFC296
— .*•𝖕𝖍𝖎𝖑•*. (@phillikesfights) December 17, 2023
That wasn’t a great performance by Pantoja as much is was a bad one for Royval.. all I’m saying.. the openings were there
— Lou (@BeardedYankee) December 17, 2023
Pantoja grappling is so technical #UFC296
— BlockWork☪️ (@AljoWrecks7) December 17, 2023
Pantoja is the best fighter to watch. Killer
— Shaun 🏴 (@shauns789) December 17, 2023
Pantoja absolute pure domination. #UFC296
— J Veaz (@justin_veasey) December 17, 2023
Well done Pantoja. #UFC296 pic.twitter.com/qaCs55QT6G
— MECU9 (@MECU999) December 17, 2023
Anyone hating on Pantoja for that fight are just dumbasses. It was pretty clear he didn’t have the striking advantage.
— Volksbandage (@Volksbandage) December 17, 2023
Big statement win by Pantoja #UFC296
— G. ✨OVERWORLD (@G9428_) December 17, 2023
Pantoja and Royval met previously before tonight's title fight. The two fought at a UFC Fight Night event in August 2021, with Pantoja winning via submission.
Pantoja, who entered tonight on a four-fight win streak, defeated Brandon Moreno to win the UFC flyweight championship in the co-main event of UFC 290 in July. This marked his first title defense attempt.
Royval had won three straght since the loss to Pantoja. Prior to tonight's fight, his most recent bout came at UFC Kansas City in April, where he scored a knockout of Matheus Nicolau.