UFC Fight Night Moreno vs. Royval 2: How to watch, predictions, odds

The former two-time UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno will take on Brandon Royval in a rematch in the UFC Fight Night main event in Mexico City. Both fighters have one thing in common: they lost their titles to Alexandre Pantoja in their last fights.

Moreno (27-7-2) defeated Royval with a first-round KO when they last met in November 2020 at UFC 255. Moreno then lost the flyweight title to Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 290.

Colorado Native Royval is (15-7) and was on a three-fight winning streak before his most recent loss also came from Pantoja, who secured the flyweight championship by decision in the co-main event at UFC 296 in Dec. 2023.

Here are the betting lines and predictions for the Moreno vs. Royval 2 fight.

BetMGM: Submission victory for Brandon Moreno

Staff writes: "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."

Action Network: Brandon Moreno

Staff writes: "I projected Brandon Moreno as a 75.7% favorite (-311 implied odds) in this matchup, and I would bet his moneyline straight to -275 or use it as a parlay piece to -310. I expect this fight to reach a decision 48% of the time (+110 implied odds), and I don't see value concerning the total or the distance prop. However, depending on the book (+180 at BetRivers), I show slight value on Moreno winning by decision (projected +164)."

Pickswise: Fight to go the distance

Matthew Lowrimore writes: "Brandon Moreno comes into this fight with an MMA record of 21-7-2 and he is 9-4-2 in the UFC. Moreno is averaging 3.80 significant strikes per minute and has a striking accuracy of 43%. He is absorbing 3.40 strikes and has a striking defense of 56%. Moreno is a heavy favorite in this fight, making his money line too risk to back. Instead, we will be looking at the fight to end inside the distance. Moreno has seen 16 of his 28 career fights end inside the distance, which includes 3 of his last 5 fights in the UFC. Royval has seen 15 of his 22 career fights end inside the distance, which includes 7 of his last 10 fights. Because both fighters have had a high finish rate recently, backing his fight to end inside the distance will be one of our best bets."

Covers: Pick Moreno

Rohit Ponnaiya writes: Moreno has the durability to recover from anything damaging that Royval lands and he's too technical with his boxing and ground game. With a more well-rounded skillset and fewer flaws, expect Moreno to see his hand raised again."

Moreno vs. Royval 2 betting odds, lines

Brandon Moreno is favored to defeat Brandon Royval, according to the BetMGM odds.

• Moneyline:
• Over/Under: 4.5 rounds (O: -110/ U: +130)

How to watch Moreno vs. Royval 2, TV Channel, steaming information

The UFC Fight Night in Mexico City, sponsored by Bud Light, will begin with prelims at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the main card at 10 p.m. ET. The event will be available on ESPN Deportes and streaming on ESPN+.

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.