UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs Royval 2 - Winners and Losers

UFC Fight Night sees pair of upsets as Brandon Royval and Brian Ortega secure wins, while some controversial decisions highlight the event.

UFC Fight Night saw two major upsets as Brandon Royval and Brian Ortega managed to secure victories in their respective fights. Despite taking the fight on short notice, Royval was able to overpower former champion Brandon Moreno, while Ortega came from behind to defeat Yair Rodriguez in the co-main event.

Royval's performance was particularly impressive, as he managed to outwork Moreno and secure a split decision victory. This win has eliminated Moreno from title contention, putting a damper on his hopes of becoming a three-time UFC champion in a single division.

As for Ortega, while he may not be the first in line to challenge the newly crowned Ilia Topuria, he is now one win away from another shot at UFC gold. In the past, inactivity has been Ortega's Achilles heel, but this time around, he is not facing any post-fight surgery, which bodes well for his future prospects in the UFC.

The real winners and losers of the event, however, go beyond the official fight results. While 12 fighters had their hands raised in victory, not all wins are created equal. Similarly, not all losses are the same. The biggest winners of the event include Brandon Royval, Zellhuber, and Torres, who all managed to secure impressive victories. On the other hand, Rodriguez, Quinones, and Altamirano suffered setbacks that will impact their future in the UFC.

Royval's victory was particularly unexpected, as he managed to succeed in a high-profile turnaround fight despite coming in on short notice. His impressive performance has put him in contention for another shot at Alexandre Pantoja, and his relentless style may lead to a different result in a potential rematch.

Zellhuber's ability to make in-fight adjustments at just 24 years old speaks to his fight maturity and potential as a future contender in the UFC. Despite a hiccup in his debut, Zellhuber has shown promise and is on track for success in the UFC.

Torres, despite his infrequency in making it to the cage, has secured three first-round finishes in as many UFC fights. While this would typically lead to hype, his lack of visibility may hold him back from becoming a true contender in the UFC lightweight division.

On the other hand, Rodriguez's loss to Ortega has raised questions about his standing as a legitimate contender in the featherweight division. Similarly, Quinones' consecutive losses in the bantamweight division have put his future in the UFC in doubt.

The event also highlighted the evolution of MMA judging, as fighters who demonstrated ground control were ultimately overshadowed by those who were more effective in striking and overall damage. This shift in judging criteria serves as a reminder to ground-based fighters to focus on adding more impact to their strikes in addition to controlling their opponents.

Overall, UFC Fight Night showcased the unpredictable nature of the sport and the importance of adaptability and resilience in securing victory. As fighters continue to navigate their paths in the UFC, they must remain mindful of the evolving landscape of the sport and the shifting criteria for success in the octagon.