On the main card of UFC 277, we saw a pivotal matchup in the flyweight division. Top contenders were trying to get into title contention as Alexandre Pantoja (24-5) took on Alex Perez (24-6).
For Alex Perez, we haven’t seen him since UFC 255 when he lost in his title fight to Deiveson Figueiredo. A year and a half layoff as he’s had six fights get cancelled leading up to his return at UFC 277.
Overall, Perez is 6-2 during his run in the UFC after earning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series. His only two losses have come against Figgy and all time divisional great Joseph Benavidez.
Perez is getting a very difficult fight tomorrow night in Alexandre Pantoja. Pantoja has back-to-back wins heading into UFC 277 over Brandon Royval and Manel Kape. Since May of 2018, he’s gone 6-2 which includes a win over former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno.
UFC 277 Recap
Round 1
The UFC 277 flyweight contest kicked off with a touch of the gloves. Immediately afterwards, Pantoja starts throwing huge bombs trying to overwhelm Perez. Perez trying to throw back but Pantoja is all over him.
Pantoja shoots for a takedown and immediately takes the back of Perez. Perez is trying to fight the hands as Pantoja is looking for a choke. Pantoja locks up the choke but it’s not under the chin. It’s more of a neck crank but he’s cranking hard. Perez taps and Pantoja gets a huge win at UFC 277.
Alexandre Pantoja def. Alex Perez by Submission – Round 1