Top 10 UFC flyweight contenders Amir Albazi and Muhammad Mokaev react to Brandon Royval’s split decision win over Moreno in Mexico City.
#2 ranked Amir Albazi was originally meant to face Moreno at UFC Fight Night 237 in Mexico City but was forced to withdraw due to injury – with Brandon Royval taking full advantage of the opportunity to earn himself a close decision win over the hometown favorite.
Albazi wasn’t impressed by either Moreno or Royval, and neither was #8 Mokaev, both of whom noted on social media that they will be back in the UFC octagon soon as Pantoja awaits a fresh challenge.
Flyweight contenders, champion react to Royval vs Moreno 2
Not many fans or pundits were picking Brandon Royval to get a decision win over Brandon Moreno in the Mexican’s homecoming, but ‘Raw Dog’ was able to pick up an impressive victory regardless – even more so when considering the nature of his short-notice replacement of Albazi.
Not wanting to be overlooked as champion Pantoja awaits a new challenger to emerge, #2 Amir Albazi took to social media to post not to congratulate Royval on upsetting the apple cart, but to dismiss the main event:
“They both looked horrible. I see you guys soon,” he posted.
It might not have been ‘vintage’ performances from either Moreno or Royval, but the lack of a finish has opened the door for another contender, Muhammad Mokaev, to make a big statement in his next fight.
The rising British-Dagestani star, who sports a perfect 10-0 record as a professional, is scheduled to face #7 ranked Alex Perez on March 3.
Mokaev shared online: “The fight tonight [has] motivated me a lot to finish Alex Perez and it’s a strap season inshaAllah.”
Flyweight king Alexandre Pantoja was also in attendance at Mexico City, and whilst the UFC champion obviously enjoyed the back-and-forth main event, took his chance to reaffirm his status over the two athletes.
As the camera panned to Pantoja, he reminded the audience that he is ‘levels’ above either Moreno or Royval, showing 5-0 to the crowd, representing his five wins and zero losses over both fighters (two over Royval, three over Moreno).
Pantoja’s next title fight defense hasn’t yet been announced but is expected to feature on UFC 301, which takes place in his home nation of Brazil in May.