Alexandre Pantoja will defend his flyweight belt in a testy tango against Brandon Royval at UFC 296 on Dec. 16.
This bout takes place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and marks the second time these two 125-pounders have met. Pantoja defeated Royval by second-round submission back in 2021.
Pantoja is a -225 favorite over Royval (+187) in this co-main event, which will set up a welterweight title fight between Leon Edwards and Colby Covington.
Alexandre Pantoja vs Brandon Royval Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Alexandre Pantoja | -225 |
| Brandon Royval | +187 |
Odds as of Nov. 15
Our odds calculator suggests Pantoja's -225 odds imply a 69.23% chance of winning, and a $100 bet on him pays out $144.44. Royval's +187 underdog odds imply a 34.84% win probability, and a $100 bet on him pays out $287.
How To Watch UFC 296: Edwards vs Covington
- Date/Time: December 16, 6 p.m ET
- Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Arena: T-Mobile Arena
- Where to Watch: ESPN+, PPV
Pantoja vs Royval Betting Preview: Who's the best at Flyweight?
Pantoja, as his nickname "The Cannibal" suggests, is a monster, but Royval can be a slippery underdog himself. Let's take a look.
How To Bet Pantoja vs Royval
Royval is fast and tall, but Pantoja gets right down to business, whether it's a push on the striking front or a dive right into grappling. And it's in these wild, rolling scrambles where the bout will be decided.
Pantoja is always a submission threat, but Royval is so darn slippery on the ground, and he can wiggle out of almost anything. Royval's defensive grappling simply isn't as good as his offensive approach, and this could be an early night if Pantoja finds the position for a choke or armbar.
Royval would appear to have a gas tank advantage. He's leaner and expends less energy. In the later rounds, I'd live bet the American. That said, Pantoja is far more dangerous in the first 10 minutes, and that's where I'm leaning.
Pantoja vs Royval Betting Pick
I'll prioritize a bet on this fight to end UNDER 2.5 rounds, while also taking Pantoja by submission. The Brazilian will come out angry, ready to put on a show.
