Alexandre Pantoja vs Alex Perez Prediction: Can Pantoja Dominate Perez in UFC 277?
Alexandre Pantoja vs Alex Perez Prediction: Can Pantoja Dominate Perez in UFC 277?
In a key 125-pound affair, the darkhorse of the flyweights Alexandre Pantoja goes toe to toe against former title challenger Alex Perez in a bout quite possibly to decide the next challenger to the winner of the co-main event. Let's dive into my prediction, pick, and odds for Alexandre Pantoja vs Alex Perez at UFC 277 this weekend.
Brandon Moreno vs Kai Kara-France Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds
- Date: July 30, 2022
- Fight Time: 10:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: PPV
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Alexandre Pantoja vs Alex Perez Prediction
Pantoja is perhaps best known for always being the bridesmaid but never the bride, racking up win after win and even getting some overtop flyweights, but always stumbling towards the finish line, most notably in his fight against Davison Figueredo on route to the title.
Alex Perez has actually made it to the dance, but to no avail as he was promptly submitted in under a round against the then champ Figuredo. Besides being Devison's children, another tangible they both have in common is their ability to grapple when in a pinch on the feet. Pantoja was able to take Royval down when things were getting too spicy for the pepper in the striking exchanges, promptly submitting the esteemed grappler with the utmost disrespect and technique.
The same thing can be said about Perez somewhat, but the last time he attempted to panic wrestle he was guillotined to death by "Deacon." Besides having similar length attributes they both stand relatively square and have a take one to give one mentality. Although that plodding Muai Thai style might pose some issues for their adversaries and even themselves, it should not really constitute an issue when paired up against each other.
But with all of these variables put in the open, when it comes down to brass tax who walks out Saturday the victor? Although Perez probably edges out the standup due to his tremendous calf kicks and more youthful vitality, I think the long layoff he's had combined with his affinity to being submitted when attempting to chain wrestle leads me to believe that Pantoja wins.
The fact of the matter is Pantoja has been fighting the upper Echelon of the division for quite some time, and although he's never sniffed the championship he has some notable names under his belt that proves he is elite, like two dubs over Brandon Moreno.
Expect Perez to maybe win a tentative first round, followed by a complete collapse in the latter half of the fight once Pantoja downloads the data he needs and initiates the grappling.
Alexandre Pantoja vs Alex Perez Pick
BET Alexandre Pantoja MoneyLine -185 (Bet $185 to win $100)