MMA Preview – Alexandre Pantoja vs Alex Perez at UFC 277
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ALEXANDRE PANTOJA VS ALEX PEREZ FACTS
When is UFC 277? Sunday 30th July, 2022 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 277? American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 277? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 277
What channel is UFC 277 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 277? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
ALEXANDRE PANTOJA VS ALEX PEREZ LOWDOWN
Alexandre Pantoja (24-5) still has not given up hopes of a title challenge and he certainly has the talent to get there. He has just stumbled against the elite. After three solid wins, the former champion Deieveson Figueiredo (2019) inflicted his second UFC loss with a unanimous decision. He bounced back by smoking Matt Schnell (2019) with a sweet overhand right, but then got outpointed again, this time by Askar Askarov (2020). However, he is back on the march with a unanimous decision over Manel Kape (2021) and a submission over Brandon Royval (2021) picking up another ‘Performance of the Night’.
Alex Perez (24-6) unexpectedly got his title shot back in 2020 when Cody Garbrandt dropped out with injury. It was even surprising at the time that he got the nod instead of his original opponent Brandon Moreno. He ended up getting absolutely schooled by the Brazilian eventually falling into to his guillotine. Since then, he has had six fights fall through for various reasons – four with Schnell and two with Askarov. Fingers crossed he makes it to the octagon this time.
ALEXANDRE PANTOJA VS ALEX PEREZ PREDICTION
Perez is a very talented fighter. He is rapid with decent striking and excellent jiu-jitsu, but this is a very tough match-up for him. He missed weight in his last fight, has not fought in nearly two years and is taking on an even more established contender than Schnell and Askarov.
Pantoja has not fought this year, but he got two fights in since Perez last fought which were two very impressive wins. He has all of the skills in the book and should have the edge on the feet as the more technical striker.
That said, if Perez’s training camp has gone smoother, finds a home for his leg kicks and mixes in his wrestling he can cause the upset. Pantoja’s jiu-jitsu can prevent the submission, but a Perez decision is a smart bet.
Prediction: Pantoja via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Perez via Decision
