We’ve covered all the results of tonight’s UFC 290, including the co-main event title fight between Brandon Moreno and Alexandre Pantoja.
Moreno (21-7-2 MMA) will return to action for the first time since the UFC 283 event in January, where he defeated Deiveson Figueiredo by TKO and unified the Flyweight Championship. Prior to that, The Assassin Baby had a promotionInterim flyweight title by stopping Kai Kara-France at UFC 277.
Alexander Pantoja (26-5 MMA) will enter his first career UFC title fight after winning three fights, the last of which was a victory over Alex Perez. The ‘Cannibal’ has gone 7-2 over his past nine matches in the Octagon, which includes a unanimous decision win for Moreno in 2018.
Run it backwards for the belt!@employee against @employee 2 starts now on #UFC290 pic.twitter.com/JUO7mxKEvU
– UFC (ufc) July 9, 2023
The first round of the UFC 290 co-main event begins and Pantoja quickly advances with a big wave. Brandon Moreno is back in the cage. The fighters clinch and Moreno is unable to switch locations. He falls for service removal but can’t get it. He continues to pressure Alexandre Pantoja against the fence. The weights break and Pantoja lands a gentle knee at the exit. Moreno with a nice mix. The challenger dives in for takedown, but it’s not there. “The Assassin Baby” with another good mix of Overseas. Alexandre Pantoja fights with the left and Moreno comes down. He jumps on the hero and looks forward to locking up the cross. Moreno avoids and looks forward to scrambling. He is back on his feet but now has a cut over his right eye. The fighters exchange shots in the pocket. Pantoja with another big punch. He goes to the body with a headdress. Moreno responded with a header. Pantoja with a high kick. He slips but gets back up and pushes Brandon Moreno into the cage. He is looking for a flight removal process but the hero stays afloat. The first round ends.
Pantoja Moreno falls in the first round 👀 #UFC290
– bjpenndotcom (bjpenndotcom) July 9, 2023
The second round of the UFC 290 co-main event begins and Alexandre Pantoja takes a big group lead. Brandon Moreno responded with a good right hand and then a powerful jab. The challenger shoots for the takedown but it’s not there. Throws with a weak, partially connected backhand grip. The fight hits the ground and Moreno moves to recover the ball. He’s looking for a naked smother from behind. The challenger flees and gets to his feet. Moreno presses the action here. It certainly looks like Pantoja has slowed down here in the second round. Alexander is bleeding now. Moreno continues to graft him the punch. Pantoja answers with one of his own. The champion with a big group, but Pantoja resists him with a big left. A wild wave puts an end to another brilliant round of action.
The third round of the joint title begins at UFC 290 and the fight hits the floor early. Alexandre Pantoja takes the back of Brandon Moreno and looks to secure a naked choke from behind. Moreno does a good job fighting hands. The fighters continue to fight from the site. “The Assassin Baby” scrambles and takes first place. He lands a few punches, and the fight comes back to the feet. Moreno with a combination that ends with a high blow. Pantoja’s face is in a bloody mess now. However, he continues to stand and trade with Moreno. The challenger shoots him for takedown and gets it. He looks to advance to side control but ends up losing the position. Now Brandon Moreno is on top. Alexandre Pantoja with some great elbow chops off his back. This allows him to stand on his feet. Pantoja with a nice low kick to end the round.
What a fight! You’re out for the championship rounds!
Who wins on your cards?? #UFC290 pic.twitter.com/ui3STjQW31
– UFC (ufc) July 9, 2023
The fourth round of the UFC 290 co-main event begins and these flyweight warriors are back to standing and trading. Brandon Moreno apparently continues to land his jab at will. Got a nice combination. Big standing elbow of the hero. Alexander Pantoja dives in for takedown and gets it. “The Assassin Baby” rushes to his feet, but is soon taken down again. Pantoja seems to move to the side control. He ended up taking the Mexican champion’s back. The fight is on the feet but Alexander maintains his center back. Just over a minute left in the round. Pantoja pulls Moreno to the ground. The champion scrambles and is able to take first place. Pantoja lunges to his feet and lands a gentle right hand. Moreno responds with a good standing elbow on the horn.
The fifth and final round of the UFC 290 co-main event begins and Brandon Moreno is looking to establish his jab early on. Fighters swing in their pocket. Moreno got the best from this exchange. Pantoja runs forward and lands a good left hand. Both men have nice left hands. Alexandre Pantoja looks to close the distance but eats a pair off his left hand. Shoots to get removed and get it. There are two minutes left in the competition. Pantoga takes back. Moreno stands but is carried on his back by Alexandre. The challenger tries to soften the champion with punches from his position. 30 seconds left. Pantoja is working hard for suffocation now. He lets that go and returns to touchdown strikes.
The rivalry between the clocks is renewed in the classic flyweight game! 🏆
📝 How did Moreno score against Pantoja? #UFC290 pic.twitter.com/qcOzvDbmAx
– UFC Europe (UFCEurope) July 9, 2023
UFC 290 official result: Alexander Pantoja defeated. Brandon Moreno by split decision (46-49, 48-47, 48-47)
Who would you like to see Pantoja fight after beating Moreno this evening in Sin City?