LAS VEGAS – Brandon Royval 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 Alexandre Pantoja 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.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 244.
