Flyweight contenders Brandon Royval, Matt Schnell set for UFC 274 clash

A key flyweight matchup between Brandon Royval and Matt Schnell has been added to May’s UFC 274 lineup.

Royval (13-6 MMA, 3-2 UFC) and Schnell (15-5 MMA, 5-3 UFC) have agreed to meet in an important bout for the 125-pound weight class, which was first announced by Royval’s management at Iridium Sports Agency and subsequently verified by MMA Junkie with a person close to the situation. The person requested anonymity because UFC hasn’t made an official announcement.

UFC 274 takes place May 7, but does not have an announced location or venue. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims likely on ESPN and ESPN+.

Royval, 29, attempt to build momentum toward the title shot conversation after a split decision win over Rogerio Bontorin at UFC on ESPN 32 in January. He’s lost back-to-back fights prior to that matchup, which set him back after a pair of finishes to open his octagon tenure.

Schnell, 32, will finally move on from an attempted matchup with former title challenger Alex Perez. The promotion booked the fight four times between May and February, but each date was canceled for various reasons. The last time Schnell stepped in the cage, he lost a unanimous decision to Bontorin at UFC 262.

The latest UFC 274 lineup now includes:

• Glover Teixeira vs. Jiri Prochazka – for light heavyweight title
• Charles Oliveira vs. Justin Gaethje – for lightweight
• Macy Chiasson vs. Norma Dumont
• Ariane Carnelossi vs. Loopy Godinez
• Blagoy Ivanov vs. Marcos Rogerio de Lima
• Kleydson Rodrigues vs. CJ Vergara
• Donald Cerrone vs. Joe Lauzon
• Brandon Royval vs. Matt Schnell