Brandon Royval wants backup spot for Moreno vs. Kara-France interim flyweight title fight

MMA News

Brandon Royval wants backup spot for Moreno vs. Kara-France interim flyweight title fight

PHOENIX – After his quick win at UFC 274, Brandon Royval thinks he should be right there in the title conversation.

Royval (14-6 MMA, 4-2 UFC) submitted Matt Schnell (15-7 MMA, 5-5 UFC) less than halfway through the first round of a firefight that picked up Fight of the Night honors in Phoenix – a rarity for a bout that ended that quickly.

The win was Royval’s second in a row after a split decision over Rogerio Bontorin earlier this year and has him back on track after losses to Brandon Moreno in 2020 and Alexandre Pantoja in 2021. The loss to Moreno, who went on to become flyweight champion, came in part because he blew out his shoulder.

The UFC has booked an interim flyweight title fight between Moreno and Kai Kara-France, whom Royval submitted in 2020, and Royval is of the mindset he should be in the wings.

“I just want the quickest route to the title shot,” Royval said at his UFC 274 post-fight news conference. “I heard they’re doing an interim title shot between Kai Kara-France and Brandon Moreno. Mine and Brandon Moreno’s fight was close. I was literally on top of the guy when my shoulder popped out throwing hammer fists. Kai Kara-France, I beat him everywhere. I dropped him, and then also choked him out.

“I want to be the backup for that fight and I deserve my top-five spot back for sure.”

Check out Royval’s full interview in the video above.

Brandon Royval wants backup spot for Moreno vs. Kara-France interim flyweight title fight