Brandon
Moreno apparently wasn’t at 100 percent for most of his
epic-five round title bout with Alexandre
Pantoja in the UFC 290
co-main event.
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UFC president Dana White revealed that Moreno broke his hand in the
opening stanza of the flyweight title bout, and Fortis MMA coach
Sayif
Saud confirmed the injury in a post on social media.
“Could not be more proud of [Brandon
Moreno] as he fought an absolute war last night,” Saud wrote on
Instagram. “These two athletes put on a incredible championship
fight. Congratulations to [Alexandre
Pantoja] and his team as well. Brandon broke his right hand in
the [first] round and still fought at an incredible pace with
unbelievable heart, skill and courage. He always shows the world
what kind of character he has when he fights. Never complaining or
making excuses, he just keeps on coming. Proud of you.”
Despite that injury, Moreno peppered Pantoja with punching
combinations throughout the five-round affair, outlanding his
Brazilian foe by a 147-to-129 count in significant strikes. In the
end, it was Pantoja’s ability blend grappling and striking that
made the difference in a split-decision triumph that will go down
as one of the year’s best fights. Still, many observers thought
Moreno deserved the nod, which makes it possible that another
meeting between the two rivals could be in store. Moreno is no
stranger to rematches, with four bouts against Deiveson
Figueiredo already under his belt.
“It’s like the Figueiredo fights,” UFC president Dana White said.
“It’s so good. I don’t know. I honestly don’t know the answer to
that question right now. I don’t think there’s anybody on earth
that wouldn’t want to see that fight again. It was so good.”
Neither Pantoja nor Moreno attended the UFC 290 post-fight press
conference, as both flyweights were transported to a hospital after
their bout.