Brandon Moreno says Alexandre Pantoja never fought his best

Flyweight champion Brandon Moreno plans on shocking Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 290.

Moreno (21-6-2 MMA, 9-3-2 UFC) defends his title in opposition to Pantoja (25-5 MMA, 9-3 UFC) within the co-main occasion at T-Cellular Area in Las Vegas. It will likely be their third combat in opposition to one another.

Pantoja defeated Moreno twice – as soon as by submission within the opening bout of Season 24 of “The Final Fighter” in 2016, then by unanimous decision in their rematch at UFC Combat Evening 129 in 2018, which led to Moreno’s UFC launch. It’s been greater than 5 years since they final fought, and Moreno vows he’s a distinct fighter.

“I can speak about a number of various things just like the technical half, the psychological half, no matter, however the true distinction for this combat will probably be I’m a greater athlete,” Moreno mentioned Monday on “The MMA Hour.” “I’m a greater athlete, and I’ll present that on July 8.

“I mentioned this earlier than, and I’m going to say this proper now: He by no means fought in opposition to the most effective Brandon Moreno in that second once we fought one another, however proper now I’m simply centered on him. I’m simply coaching for him, doing the sport plan for him, and I’m prepared, man.”

Since dropping to Pantoja, Moreno has suffered just one loss to Deiveson Figueiredo – a setback he avenged in his most up-to-date outing by doctor’s stoppage TKO at UFC 283 to reclaim his flyweight title.

In a current interview with MMA Junkie, Pantoja mentioned he seeks “full domination” of Moreno and plans on replicating the efficiency he had in opposition to him of their rematch, the place he bloodied him up and was awarded two 30-26 scorecards from the judges.

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 290.