UFC Mexico: Moreno vs. Royval 2 Fight Card, Predictions, & Odds

For the first time since 2019, the UFC is back in Mexico, and they will headline the flyweight rematch between Brandon Moreno and Brandon Royval in the main event of the card this Saturday inside the Arena CDMX.

It's #UFCMexico Fight Week 🇲🇽

Mexico City, we'll see you on Saturday! 👊 pic.twitter.com/cFcLaQz3K3

— UFC (@ufc) February 19, 2024

Moreno will be the betting favorite in UFC odds at -250 due to his previous victory against Royval, whom he defeated in November 2020 via a first-round TKO finish. On the other hand, Royval is the +200 betting underdog.

Both fighters are looking for redemption as they received a defeat from the reigning UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja from their previous fights, with Moreno losing in a close split decision and Royval receiving a unanimous decision setback. 

Brandon Moreno Recent Fight Results

Moreno made his UFC debut in 2016 and won three straight fights upon his arrival in the promotion. Unfortunately, after losing back-to-back losses in 2017 and 2018, he was cut from the roster and relegated to LFA, where he captured the flyweight title.

Since that triumph in LFA, the UFC signed him back in 2019. He went undefeated in his next six fights, with four wins and two draws on his way to becoming the undisputed UFC flyweight champion in January 2021 by beating Deiveson Figueiredo.

The rematch is happening this Saturday!

The last time these two Moreno and Royval met, @TheAssassinBaby got the KO in the FIRST round! 👊 pic.twitter.com/1kEghdrsTQ

— UFC (@ufc) February 19, 2024

After his title breakthrough, he would again lose to Figueiredo and become the interim flyweight champ to set up a fourth match with Figueiredo in January 2023 to settle their rivalry. Moreno made sure to leave no doubt in his fourth meeting with Figueiredo as he scored a third-round TKO stoppage.

Since then, he was pitted against Pantoja in July at UFC 290, but suffered a close split decision defeat. Moreno now seeks another shot at the title, and a win against Royval should set up a trilogy fight with his tormentor.

Brandon Royval Recent Fight Results

Like Moreno, Royval was an LFA standout who earned a roster spot in the UFC in 2020 due to his exciting fighting style. He has picked up consecutive wins since his debut, but dropped his next two to split his first four UFC matches to 2-2.

It's the Battle of the Brandons at #UFCMexico ⚔️

Moreno vs Royval 2 is happening this weekend! pic.twitter.com/2kLWGjyvbP

— UFC (@ufc) February 19, 2024

Since those back-to-back losses, Royval rebounded and won three straight fights over Rogerio Bontorin, Matt Schnell, and Matheus Nicolau to earn his first shot for the UFC title in December against Pantoja at UFC 296. However, he was handed a unanimous decision loss.

Brandon Moreno vs. Brandon Royval 2: Tale of the Tape

Brandon Moreno vs. Brandon Royval 2: Fight Analysis

Since this is a rematch, I would throw the significant strikes and grappling numbers out the window and instead discuss what went right during their first match and what improvements they made from their previous fights.

Royval will still bring 2 inches of height, and half an inch of leg reach advantage, but Moreno will enjoy 2 inches of reach in his upper hand. Following their first match, both have tallied a winning record with Moreno’s 3-2-1 record and Royval’s 3-2 slate.

The first bout between Moreno and Royval was exciting since they engaged in a stand-up fight that saw them land multiple significant strikes against each other. However, Royval found more success utilizing leg kicks and one-two punch combinations.

Royval should avoid spinning attacks in the rematch because he was caught twice when doing this, which transitioned into a takedown for Moreno. Royval should be more cautious when attempting these spinning attacks and ready for a potential takedown counter.

Meanwhile, Moreno was able to capitalize on the mistakes that Royval committed and send him down the mat, where he almost finished him with a rear-naked choke submission. Eventually, this battle on the ground produced Moreno the victory as Royval was hurt in the grappling exchanges and could not continue.

Official Prediction: Submission victory for Brandon Moreno.