Preview: ‘The Ultimate Fighter 24’ Finale

Flyweights

Brandon Moreno (12-3) vs. Ryan Benoit (9-4)

THE MATCHUP: Moreno stepped onto the UFC stage in unlikely and impressive fashion. Following a first-round loss on Season 24 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” the 22 year-old caught heavy favorite Louis Smolka in a first-round submission at UFC Fight Night 96 on Oct. 1, snapping the flyweight contender’s four-fight winning streak with a single high-elbow guillotine. The win was Moreno’s ninth in a row, a streak dating back to 2012. Looking at Moreno’s three losses -- all earned within his first six fights -- it is notable that none were finishes. The story suggests that Moreno is not unbeatable, but he is hard to outfight; and though the Mexican’s striking and wrestling are still developing, his feistiness shows through in every phase.

Benoit also earned a win in his last fight, but it came over an untested late-starter. It was only Benoit’s second win in the UFC and only a split decision win at that. I should not come down too hard on Benoit. Aside from his last bout, he has faced only proven competition in the UFC and scored a surprising win, to boot. He lacks two qualities, however, that give Moreno the edge: durability and well-roundedness.

THE ODDS: Moreno (-123), Benoit (+100)

THE PICK: No one can doubt Benoit’s toughness, but he has been hurt in many of his fights. More damning, however, is the fact that Benoit lacks both takedown defense and grappling skill. The ground is Moreno’s world, and Benoit will struggle there far more than Moreno does on the feet. The pick is Moreno by second-round submission.

Last Fights » The Prelims