Tag: Brandon Royval

Brandon Royval: Brandon Moreno’s win over Amir Albazi cleared way for my UFC title shot

Brandon Royval explains why he loves his position in the UFC flyweight title picture thanks to Brandon Moreno beating Amir Albazi.

It was in [autotag]Brandon Royval[/autotag]’s best interest for [autotag]Brandon Moreno[/autotag] to beat [autotag]Amir Albazi[/autotag].

Former champion Moreno (22-8-2 MMA, 10-5-2 UFC) returned in peak form when he battered a tough Albazi (17-2 MMA, 5-1 UFC) for five rounds in this past Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 246 main event in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Considering that Royval’s past two wins have come against Moreno then formerly unbeaten Tatsuro Taira in a Fight of the Night effort, the 32-year-old thinks he just became the clear-cut No. 1 contender.

“I think the only thing that it cleared up completely was that I’m next for the title shot,” Royval told MMA Junkie. “I think that’s what it did. It just cleared the way for me and keep everything going. I thought he (Moreno) looked sick. I had such a good time watching him. I liked the look in his eye when he walked out. The moment he walked out, I was like, ‘All right, cool, this is what I want to see: a pissed-off Brandon Moreno ready to go.’

“And he fought with a f*cking attitude and chip on his shoulder, and I loved that. I really, in my head, just think the flyweight division – I feel we get a lot of criticism of because the top three, top four guys are just clearing out everybody and just kind of staying in the top three, top four, but I feel like the flyweight division has been more exciting than it’s ever been.”

Royval (17-7 MMA, 7-3 UFC) won’t immediately get his wish. He has to wait for flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja to defend his title against ex-RIZIN champion Kai Asakura on Dec. 7 at UFC 310 – but he expects to face the winner.

“If they’re not going to bring anybody in, and it’s between me, Moreno and Kai Kara-France, it’s definitely me,” Royval said. “I feel like that’s the only thing that makes sense. Moreno and Kai Kara-France have some sick wins against some sick opponents, and they did a great job. But that being said, I have a win over both those guys, and I think if it’s between us three, it’s me.”

Royval has no issue with newcomer Asakura getting a title shot in his UFC debut. In fact, after fighting both Moreno and Pantoja twice, he could use a new face.

“I’m a fan of it,” Royval said on Asakura’s addition. “I want fresh blood, too. We’re talking about three rematches as a possibility. Like, I could fight Kai Kara-France next, Brandon Moreno, and Pantoja next, and the only one I’m ready to go do is fight Pantoja next. If Kai Asakura wins that belt, I think that’s going to be one of the better fights of the year. Me and Kai Asakura are both guys who bring fights.”

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If not a title shot next, Brandon Royval would love to welcome Henry Cejudo back to flyweight

Brandon Royval is willing to fight Henry Cejudo if he drops back down to flyweight.

[autotag]Brandon Royval[/autotag] is willing to fight [autotag]Henry Cejudo[/autotag] if he drops back down to flyweight.

Royval (17-7 MMA, 7-3 UFC) re-entered the title picture when he handed Tatsuro Taira (16-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) his first-career loss less than two weeks ago in the UFC Fight Night 244 main event.

Royval, who’s coming off back-to-back wins over former champion Brandon Moreno and Taira, is eyeing a title shot next. But if he doesn’t get his wish, he’s happy to face former UFC dual-champion Cejudo (16-4 MMA, 10-4 UFC), who said he plans on returning to 125 pounds in his next fight.

“I really don’t feel like (Cejudo) does, but I like the idea,” Royval told Middle Easy. “If they’re not giving me a title shot, I’d love to be the one that meets him. I would love to be welcoming him back to 125. Every time I’ve seen him, he looked a little big, man. I don’t know if he’s making weight at 125 anymore, and I know he struggled before.

“I feel like I’m one of the fastest in the division and he didn’t look that fast to me the last time he fought. So I’d love to beat him at 125. I would definitely be worried about the takedown, but man, there’s a big reach and height advantage coming my way, and I think I could just walk him right into a knee – vicious.”

Royval has won five of his past six, with his lone loss in that stretch coming in a title setback to UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 296 this past December.

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USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings, Oct. 15: Brandon Royval climbs at flyweight

Check out the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings following UFC Fight Night 244 in Las Vegas.

UFC Fight Night 244 took place last weekend in Las Vegas, producing an update in the men’s flyweight rankings.

In the main event at the UFC Apex, [autotag]Brandon Royval[/autotag] handed [autotag]Tatsuro Taira[/autotag] his first career loss in a thrilling 25-minute bout.

Royval entered the contest at No. 3 in the men’s flyweight division. After winning, he gets one spot closer to the top, swapping positions with No. 2 Amir Albazi.

Check out all the latest pound-for-pound and divisional USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings.

Video: Did Brandon Royval secure another UFC title shot? How much did Tatsuro Taira’s stock drop?

What’s next for Brandon Royval and Tatsuro Taira following their wild fight at UFC Fight Night 244? We discuss on “Spinning Back Clique.”

[autotag]Brandon Royval[/autotag] and [autotag]Tatsuro Taira[/autotag] gave MMA fans one of the best fights, if not the best fight, of 2024.

The two flyweights went back and forth in the main event of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 244 in Las Vegas. With many momentum swings, Royval (17-7 MMA, 7-3 UFC) ended up getting the better of Taira (16-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) over the course of 25 minutes, winning a split decision.

Now 2-0 since fighting for the UFC flyweight title, has Royval done enough to secure another crack at the belt? How much does Taira’s stock drop after his first professional defeat?

MMA Junkie’s Brian “Goze” Garcia, Matthew Wells, Danny Segura, and host Gorgeous George discuss what’s next for Royval and Taira following their Fight of the Night bout at UFC Fight Night 244.

Watch their discussion in the video above, and don’t miss this week’s complete episode of “Spinning Back Clique” below on YouTube.

https://youtube.com/live/hQw_JxC0qM8

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 244.

Mick Maynard’s Shoes: What’s next for Brandon Royval after UFC Fight Night 244 win?

Brandon Royval has a strong title shot case after UFC Fight Night 244, and now he has to see how the division unfolds to see where he fits.

(ALSO SEE: Mick Maynard’s Shoes: What’s next for Tatsuro Taira after first loss at UFC Fight Night 244?)

[autotag]Brandon Royval[/autotag] had the utmost confidence he would end Tatsuro Taira’s undefeated run in the UFC Fight Night 244 main event, and he ended up doing just that.

Royval (17-7 MMA, 7-3 UFC) showed an unbreakable level of determination in going grappling exchange for grappling exchange with Taira (16-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) for all five rounds en route to a split decision victory at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

After the fight, Royval called for a second crack at the flyweight championship and pointed to the strength of his resume, which includes several top names.

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Will he get the shot at the winner of the newly-made title showdown between Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Asakura at UFC 310 on Dec. 7? Watch the video above for thoughts and analysis on Royval’s future after his UFC Fight Night 244 main event triumph.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 244.

Brandon Royval: ‘I see a title shot next’ after UFC Fight Night 244 win over Tatsuro Taira

Brandon Royval wants a title shot next and a backup role for Pantoja vs. Askura title fight at UFC 310.

LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Brandon Royval[/autotag] made sure to let his intentions known.

The former UFC title challenger wants his next career move to involve UFC gold, and he feels he’s done enough to demand that from the promotion. Royval (17-7 MMA, 7-3 UFC) defeated previously unbeaten prospect Tatsuro Taira (16-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) in a hard-fought split decision in the main event of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 244 at the UFC Apex.

This was his second straight win after losing to champion [autotag]Alexandre Pantoja[/autotag] last December, and he feels he’s deserving of his next fight being for the title as well as the chance to be the official backup role for the next 125-pound championship fight.

“I see a title shot next. There’s no other way about it,” Royval told reporters following his win. “I have a win over the whole top five of the division. I’m all about rematches, but with that being said, I earned my way to a title shot. I took a short notice against the No. 1, I just took out the hottest prospect in the division. I think a title shot is what’s next for me, and I’ll be the backup for the title fight in December.”

Pantoja defends his flyweight belt against Japanese star Kai Asakura in the co-main event of UFC 310 on Dec. 7 in Las Vegas. Asakura, a former Rizin FF champion, is getting a title shot in his promotional debut.

Royval has no problem with Asakura getting the shot and, in fact, likes his addition to the UFC flyweight roster.

“I’ve been watching Kai Asakura for a while, I think he’s sick.” Royval said. “I think there’s a clot of cool things. He’s yet to make flyweight, so I’ll be there, and I’ll be ready just in case he doesn’t. That being said, I’ll give that man his roses. I think he brings a lot of excitement to the division, and I think he could take out Pantoja. If Pantoja grapples him, it’s going to be over. That being said, the fight starts on the feet.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 244.

UFC Fight Night 244 Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay: Brad Tavares gets $21,000 in record bout

UFC Fight Night 244 fighters took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay, a program that continued after the UFC’s deal with Venum.

LAS VEGAS – Fighters from Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 244 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $186,000.

The program, a comprehensive plan that includes outfitting requirements, media obligations and other items under the fighter code of conduct, replaces the previous payments made under the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy.

UFC Fight Night 244 took place at the UFC Apex. The card aired on ESPN and streamed on ESPN+.

The full UFC Fight Night 244 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:

* * * *

[autotag]Brandon Royval[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Tatsuro Taira[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]JunYong Park[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Brad Tavares[/autotag]: $21,000

[autotag]Chidi Njokuani[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Jared Gooden[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Grant Dawson[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Rafa Garcia[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Daniel Rodriguez[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Alex Morono[/autotag]: $21,000

[autotag]Ramazan Temirov[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]CJ Vergara[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Pat Sabatini[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Jonathan Pearce[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Themba Gorimbo[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Niko Price[/autotag]: $16,000

[autotag]Junior Tafa[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Sean Sharaf[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Julia Polastri[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Cory McKenna[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Cody Haddon[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Dan Argueta[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Clayton Carpenter[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Lucas Rocha[/autotag]: $4,000

Under the UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program’s payout tiers, which appropriate the money generated by Venum’s multi-year sponsorship with the UFC, fighters are paid based on their total number of UFC bouts, as well as Zuffa-era WEC fights (January 2007 and later) and Zuffa-era Strikeforce bouts (April 2011 and later). Fighters with 1-3 bouts receive $4,000 per appearance; 4-5 bouts get $4,630; 6-10 bouts get $6,000; 11-15 bouts earn $11,000; 16-20 bouts pocket $16,000; and 21 bouts and more get $21,000. Additionally, champions earn $32,000 while title challengers get $42,000.

In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-63 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.

Full 2024 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:

Year-to-date total: $6,488,500
2023 total: $8,188,000
2022 total: $8,351,500
2021 total: $6,167,500
Program-to-date total: $29,225,500

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 244.

UFC Fight Night 244 bonuses: Grant Dawson makes wife’s badunkadunk co-star, but won’t go home with extra $50K

The UFC handed out four bonuses, but a lightweight who promised a title run and had a memorable mic moment was left out.

The UFC handed out four bonuses after Saturday’s card, but a lightweight who promised a title run, [autotag]Grant Dawson[/autotag], was left out of the mix.

Despite a brutal TKO finish on the main card and a bootylicious moment when he thanked his wife for her support – and “a dump truck you could bounce a quarter off of” – Dawson got no extra check for the mic-drop moment with his wife covering her face cageside.

After UFC Fight Night 244, four fighters picked up an extra $50,000 for their performances in Las Vegas. Check out the winners below.

Performance of the Night: Clayton Carpenter

Clayton Carpenter def. Lucas Rocha, UFC Fight Night 244

Clayton Carpenter def. Lucas Rocha via technical submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 2:12

[autotag]Clayton Carpenter[/autotag] (8-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) was fighting about 20 months after his UFC debut win, but it was evident his game plan was to take the fight to the canvas to outwork Lucas Rocha (17-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC) on the canvas. After he cut him open in the first round and controlled him on the mat, he took him down again in the second and deftly locked in a rear-naked choke that put the Brazilian to sleep without a tap.

Performance of the Night: Ramazan Temirov

Ramazonbek Temirov def. CJ Vergara, UFC Fight Night 244

Ramazonbek Temirov def. CJ Vergara via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:50

The UFC’s flyweights might have a new problem on their hands in Uzbekistan’s [autotag]Ramazan Temirov[/autotag] (18-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC). He stormed out in a hurry against CJ Vergara (12-6-1 MMA, 3-4 UFC) and stayed on him for as long as the fight lasted, which was just past the halfway mark when he put him away, mercifully.

Fight of the Night: Brandon Royval def. Tatsuro Taira

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 12: (L-R) Brandon Royval punches Tatsuro Taira of Japan in a flyweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on October 12, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

Brandon Royval def. Tatsuro Taira via split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)

In a flyweight instant classic, [autotag]Brandon Royval[/autotag] (17-7 MMA, 7-3 UFC) and [autotag]Tatsuro Taira[/autotag] (16-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) truly went back and forth for 25 minutes with regular momentum shifts. But a late takedown for Royval in the fifth and several close submission attempts down the stretch may have sealed the deal for the recent title challenger to hand Taira the first loss of his career. Royval said afterward Taira is a future flyweight champion and he wants to help him get there. He wants another title shot next.

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UFC Fight Night 244 results: Brandon Royval digs deep to earn split decision over Tatsuro Taira

Brandon Royval and Tatsuro Taira turned in a fantastic 25-minute affair decided by one round in the UFC Fight Night 244 main event.

[autotag]Brandon Royval[/autotag] didn’t expect to go the distance with Tatsuro Taira, but the goal of securing victory and handing his opponent his first career loss was accomplished.

The flyweight bout was the UFC Fight Night 244 main event at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The incredible 25-minute bout left the judges split. The former title challenger Royval (17-7 MMA, 7-3 UFC) was announced as the winner over Taira (17-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC), with dueling 48-47 scores.

Royval set the tone in the opening round with crisp striking, both when leading behind a speedy right jab and catching Taira with sharp counters. Taira responded with a solid offense, connecting in a flurry that led to a takedown.

Early in Round 2, Taira brought the fight to the mat again after smartly kicking off the fence while clinched. On the ground, he locked in a body triangle, allowing him to hunt for a rear-naked choke and land punches while Royval attempted to scramble.

With the fight even after 10 minutes, the game plans were apparent. Royval knew he couldn’t afford to be taken down again.

At his corner’s advice, Royval went to work quickly with sharp punching, putting Taira in trouble on the feet. As Taira attempted to give himself space to reset, Royval poured on the pressure and continued to land big strikes.

Despite being severely threatened, somehow, Tiara found his way onto Royval’s back and slapped on a tight rear-naked choke. The horn may have saved Royval in an otherwise dominant round.

Just 30 seconds into Round 4, Taira was in on the hips, working to get the fight to the ground. He was successful and once again threatened chokes and landed punches and elbows, keeping the fight on the mat for most of the round.

Going into Round 5, the fight was seemingly up for grabs. Taira was able to take it to his comfort zone on the ground, but this time, Royval was able to reverse the position to get back to his feet. Sharp punches connected for Royval, prompting Taira to shoot in. Royval reversed again and threatened his own submissions to close out the fight on a strong note.

While the fight was a split decision, it was not the final round that decided the fight. Instead, Round 1 was the deciding frame, as judge Sal D’Amato scored it for Taira.

Royval, 32, called to be next up for a title shot after UFC 310, where Alexandre Pantoja will look to defend against UFC newcomer Kai Asakura.

“I get that f*cking title shot next,” Royval said during his post-fight interview with Michael Bisping. “I get that title shot next. I’ll be the backup. Kai Asakura, I’m going to Japan, I’m taking that sh*t. If Pantoja wins it, I’m going to Brazil and I’m taking that sh*t.

“Title shot next. That’s the only f*cking discussion. I beat everybody in the top 5 of the f*cking division. Who the f*ck else?”

If granted, it will be Royval’s second attempt to claim the UFC flyweight title. His first shot was against Pantoja at UFC 296, but he came up short on the wrong end of a unanimous decision.

Taira, 24, suffers the first loss of his professional career. He was previously unbeaten through six fights under the UFC banner.

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Up-to-the-minute UFC Fight Night 244 results include:

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 244.

UFC Fight Night 244: Brandon Royval vs. Tatsuro Taira odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 244 odds between Brandon Royval vs. Tatsuro Taira, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 5-round flyweight bout in the main event, Brandon Royval and Tatsuro Taira meet Saturday at UFC Fight Night 244 — also known as UFC Vegas 98 and UFC on ESPN+ 102 — at the UFC Apex. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s UFC odds around the UFC Night Night 244: Royval vs. Taira odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN+, and the main card begins at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Records: Royval (16-7-0) | Taira (16-0-0)

Royval got a crack at the championship at UFC 296, but he lost via unanimous decision to Alexandre Pantoja in mid-December. He bounced back with a split-decision win over Brandon Moreno, as he looks to position himself for another title chance. He has ended up going the distance in 2 straight, and 3 of the past 5 fights, while going 4-1 in the span.

If Royval wants to get back to a championship fight, he needs to take care of the rising prospect Taira, who has never lost in 16 career bouts, including 6 at the UFC level. Taira knocked out Alex Perez in the 2nd round in mid-June, and he has 4 finishes inside the distance in the past 5 outings.

Taira has a 2-inch reach advantage over Royval, while the southpaw has a 4.33-to-3.56 significant strikes landed per minute advantage over Taira. The Japanese fighter has a 2.35 takedown average, and a 2.09 submission average.

Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.

UFC Fight Night 244: Royval vs. Taira odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of UFC odds. Lines last updated at 10:30 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Royval +240 (bet $100 to win $240) | Taira -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 3.5 rounds (Over -140 | Under +105)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +120 | No -165)

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UFC Fight Night 244: Royval vs. Taira picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

ROYVAL (+240) is hungry to get back to a championship fight, and the quickest way for the veteran to do that is to get past an unbeaten Taira (-300).

This is going to be a good fight, as Taira has been a punching machine in his time with the company, and he has really developed a good clinch game.

However, Royval can get the job done in a number of ways, either with the knockout, or submission. He’ll be looking to work the legs of Taira, trying to wow the judges.

ROYVAL ON POINTS (+400) is worth a roll of the dice for the chance to multiply up by 4 times.

Over/Under (O/U)

YES (+120): WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? is a strong play at plus-money.

Royval has ended up going the distance in 2 in a row, and 3 of the past 5 fights since Jan. 2022.

For Taira, while he has gone the distance just once in the past 5 fights, Royval has the tools to take him all the way, similar to the Edgar Chairez fight back at UFC 290.

If you’re not quite feeling a distance fight, OVER 3.5 ROUNDS (-140) is an alternative that isn’t too costly.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and us on Facebook.

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