- UFC 296 odds are favoring Alexandre Pantoja with odd of -225 against Brandon Royval +195.
- See the best bets and props for wagering on Alexandre Pantoja vs Brandon Royval.
The upcoming UFC 296 PPV features a rematch between the UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja and Brandon Royval. Pantoja, in his first title defense, claimed victory over Brandon Moreno by a split decision during UFC 290 earlier this year.
Notably, Pantoja already holds a submission win over Royval, who has since secured three consecutive wins. Let’s examine the current odds for Pantoja vs. Royval and provide a fight prediction for UFC 296.
Pantoja vs Royval Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
| Alexandre Pantoja | -225 |
| Brandon Royval | +195 |
The latest UFC 296 odds have Alexandre Pantoja as the current betting favorite -225 against Brandon Royval +195. Will Pantoja see his hand raised again? The odds certainly like his chances, with the line expected to move closer to -300 come fight night.
Check out these apps to bet on UFC fights for the latest odds and promos. Once the latest prop bets are live for UFC 296, we’ll be sure to cover them here.
Pantoja vs Royval Prediction
Alexandre Pantoja coming hot off the heels of an impressive performance over old foe Brandon Moreno, is looking to cement his champion status even more at UFC 296. Pantoja is known for his aggressive striking and solid grappling skills. His average fight time of 11:11 reveals his capability to endure longer bouts, showcasing both stamina and strategy.
Pantoja’s striking game is potent, landing 4.41 significant strikes per minute with a respectable 48% accuracy. His striking defense at 51% and absorbing 3.81 strikes per minute indicate room for improvement in avoiding incoming strikes.
His grappling stats are equally intriguing, with 1.75 takedowns per 15 minutes and a submission average of 1.0. Pantoja possesses a 44% takedown accuracy and a solid takedown defense at 66%, demonstrating his capability in controlling the fight on the ground.
The betting underdog here Brandon Royval has only two UFC lossess and they happen to be from former champ Moreno and Pantoja. Over his last three bouts, Royval picked up a split deciosn win then submitted Matt Schnell and KO’d Matheus Nicolau both first round finishes.
Royval is a southpaw fighter with an impressive takedown accuracy at 100%, but he lags in takedown defense at 39%. His ability to take opponents down is outstanding, averaging 0.66 takedowns per 15 minutes. Royval’s submission average of 2.3 per 15 minutes is particularly noteworthy, showing his penchant for grappling and securing submissions.
When evaluating their strengths, Pantoja holds an advantage in striking statistics, boasting a higher striking rate and accuracy compared to Royval. His grappling defense is also more robust, as indicated by his higher takedown defense and takedown average. Royval’s exceptional takedown accuracy and submission average suggest a considerable threat on the ground.
Pantoja may look to dominate the fight by controlling the striking exchanges, where his accuracy and volume could wear down Royval. Meanwhile, Royval might aim to take the fight to the ground, exploiting his superior takedown accuracy and submission prowess.
Pantoja’s vulnerability in absorbing strikes could be exploited by Royval, who might seek to capitalize on this and aim for a striking advantage. Royval’s weak takedown defense might be a significant concern, as Pantoja could potentially exploit this with his takedown game.
My prediction is that this matchup could potentially be a back-and-forth battle. Pantoja might aim to control the stand-up and ground exchanges, leveraging his striking and takedown abilities.
Royval’s proficiency in submissions and potential to capitalize on Pantoja’s vulnerabilities could make this fight highly competitive. In the end, the fight could be decided by whether Pantoja wants to keep this fight on the feet or the ground, both areas he could have the upper hand on Royval.
Betting Pick: Pantoja
At UFC 296, the highly anticipated clash between Leon Edwards and Colby Covington for the UFC welterweight championship is on the horizon. You can see the latest odds and props for Edwards vs Covington. Also, at UFC 296 Paddy “The Baddy” returns to take on Tony Ferguson, we got you covered with Pimblett vs Ferguson odds and props.
