Brandon Royval thinks he’ll be the UFC flyweight champion by the end of the year.
Brandon Royval isn’t a stranger to the big stage that comes with fighting for a championship. The sixth-ranked UFC flyweight earned the Legacy flyweight title on his way out of the promotion before signing with the UFC.
Ahead of his pivotal matchup with third-ranked contender Alexandre Pantoja, Royval is ready to remind the UFC’s flyweight division that he is a contender to be reckoned with to flyweight champion Brandon Moreno‘s belt.
Royval is returning to the UFC octagon after suffering a severe shoulder dislocation in his last fight with Moreno at UFC 255. Before the TKO loss to Moreno, Royval had been one of the hottest prospects in the flyweight division with dominant performances against Kai Kara-France and former title challenger Tim Elliott.
During his UFC Vegas 34 pre-fight press conference, Royval made a bold prediction for what could be next if he’s able to get past Pantoja.
“This whole fight with Pantoja is all about making a statement for me.,” Royval said. “I should’ve been the champion, I should’ve been the co-main event with this fight, I go out there and try to get finishes. Everything works out for a reason.”
“Perfect timing for me to go out there, beat Pantoja, and then get ready to take Brandon Moreno’s shine.”
Brandon Royval faces a tough challenge against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC Vegas 34
Royval’s confidence, nor has toughness, has ever been questioned. He’s always been a forward-thinking fighter in and out of the cage, with an aggressive style that he overwhelms his opponents with.
If he’s able to get a statement win against the always-dangerous Pantoja, Royval could get a rematch with Moreno sooner rather than later. The UFC’s flyweight division is even more stacked with top contenders like Royval in the mix.