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The UFC 296 event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas is already buzzing with anticipation, and former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno has emerged as the official backup for the anticipated battle between Alexandre Pantoja and Brandon Royval.
Multiple sources, in line with reports from Eurosport Nederland, have confirmed Moreno's role as the contingency plan for the upcoming event. Set to unfold on December 16, UFC 296 is headlined by a welterweight title clash between current champion Leon Edwards and former interim champion Colby Covington.
Moreno's potential standby status sets the stage for a remarkable turn of events. If called upon, he will have a shot at redemption against Alexandre Pantoja, the man who seized the title from him in a thrilling contest at UFC 290. Their intense showdown dashed Moreno's hopes of defending the belt he unified in an epic fourth clash with Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 283, triumphing via TKO and marking a significant victory against the former Brazilian champion.
Since his setback against Pantoja, Moreno has been biding his time on the sidelines. Meanwhile, Pantoja, riding a wave of momentum from a four-fight win streak, gears up for his inaugural title defense, fully aware of the challenge that awaits him.
The potential emergence of Moreno as the event's backup adds a layer of intrigue to an already star-studded fight card. His readiness to step in signifies the unpredictability and ever-dynamic nature of the fight game.
As fight night approaches, the spotlight not only shines on the headline welterweight title bout but also hovers over the potential narrative shift in the flyweight division. Moreno stands poised, ready to seize an opportunity and reclaim what was once his.
The unfolding drama of UFC 296 promises high stakes and unforeseen turns, leaving fight fans eagerly awaiting the action that awaits inside the Octagon.