Brandon Moreno vs. Brandon Royval – This Saturday, the UFC makes its electrifying return to Mexico City, lighting up the arena with a highly anticipated Flyweight bout between Brandon Moreno, “The Assassin Baby,” and Brandon Royval, “Raw Dawg.” With Moreno stepping into the octagon with a record of 21-7-2 against Royval’s 15-7-0, the stakes couldn’t be higher. As fans across the globe, especially those into Canadian sports betting, look forward to this clash, the odds are already painting a vivid picture of what to expect. Moreno enters as the favorite at -275, with Royval at +235, suggesting a tight contest under the vibrant lights of Mexico City Arena.
Brandon Moreno vs. Brandon Royval
When: Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 10:00 PM ET
Where: Mexico City Arena, Mexico City, Federal District, Mexico
TV: ESPN+
Brandon Moreno vs. Brandon Royval Betting Odds
| Moneyline | |
| Moreno | -275 |
| Royval | +235 |
Brandon Moreno Analysis
Heading into this Mexico City main event, Brandon Moreno looks to bounce back from losses to Pantoja. In his most recent defeats, Moreno struggled to implement his well-rounded offensive attack. However, the Assassin Baby still possesses all the skills to compete with the division’s elite.
Moreno lands 3.8 significant strikes per minute with a solid accuracy rate of 43%. He pairs that efficient striking offense with decent head movement and footwork, absorbing only 3.4 significant strikes per minute while maintaining a 56% striking defense rate. Moreno isn’t afraid to trade leather, using crisp punching combinations to set up his vaunted takedown shots. The Mexican veteran secures 1.73 takedowns per 15 minutes, doing so with a 45% accuracy clip.
Once on the canvas, Moreno actively searches for submissions and dominant positions. He attempts a submission every 15 minutes, showing savvy grappling skills especially for a striker. Moreno also demonstrates good takedown defense, stopping 64% of shots against him. With well-rounded striking and wrestling, along with a granite chin, Moreno can implement a versatile offensive attack. He will likely put that skill set on full display, gunning for takedowns to avoid Royval’s dynamite left hand.
Brandon Royval Analysis
Although he comes into this Mexico City co-main event having lost in a recent fight, Brandon Royval has the kind of fight finishing skills that can quickly put this bout to bed. Despite giving up four inches in height, Royval actually possesses a two-inch reach advantage over Moreno with his long, lanky frame. He uses that length well, unleashing nasty striking combinations from his southpaw stance.
Royval lands an identical 3.8 significant strikes per minute as Moreno, doing so with 43% accuracy. The difference is in defense, as Royval’s porous 45% striking defense rate results in him absorbing 3.05 significant strikes per minute. That stat is likely a consequence of too much time spent hunting for knockouts. Raw Dawg attempts a submission every 5 minutes, three times as often as Moreno. Once he has an opponent hurt, Royval pounces with an endless array of chokes and limb attacks.
While certainly vulnerable defensively, Royval’s all-out aggression and finishing skills can trouble any 125-pound fighter. If he can continue attacking Moreno’s suspect chin with heavy power punches, Royval has the ability to once again play spoiler by securing a spectacular knockout win.
Brandon Moreno vs. Brandon Royval Stats
| Moreno | Royval | |
| Wins/Losses/Draws | 21-7-2 | 15-7-0 |
| Average Fight Time | 15:34 | 8:47 |
| Height | 5′ 7″ | 5′ 9″ |
| Weight | 125 lbs. | 125 lbs. |
| Reach | 70″ | 68″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Southpaw |
| Strikes Landed per Min. | 3.80 | 3.80 |
| Striking Accuracy | 43% | 43% |
| Strikes Absorbed per Min. | 3.40 | 3.05 |
| Defense | 56% | 45% |
| Takedowns Average/15 min. | 1.73 | 0.43 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 45% | 66% |
| Takedown Defense | 64% | 40% |
| Submission Average/15 min. | 0.5 | 1.5 |
Brandon Moreno vs. Brandon Royval Betting Picks
This flyweight fight is as close to a pick’em as you can get. Moreno is less than a 3-to-1 favorite for good reason. Royval has the finishing ability to put The Assassin Baby away if he can stop the takedowns. However, Moreno is the superior grappler and should be able to implement his wrestling game plan.
Look for Moreno to drag this fight into deep waters, wearing down Royval with constant pressure and takedowns en route to a hard-fought decision win. The betting value lies with Moreno playing it safe while avoiding Raw Dawg’s danger strikes.
Free Pick: Brandon Moreno -275
As fight night approaches, the excitement builds for what promises to be a thrilling encounter between two top-tier Flyweights. Moreno’s experience and skill set make him the favorite, but Royval’s submission prowess poses a significant threat. For those looking to place their bets, it’s wise to consider all aspects of the fighters’ arsenals. And for the latest insights and free MMA expert betting picks, keeping an eye on the developments leading up to the fight is crucial to making informed decisions.
