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.