Brandon Royval is a highly talented and dedicated mixed martial artist, making a name for himself in the flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). With a professional record of 15 wins and 6 losses, Royval has proven to be a formidable force in the octagon.
Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Royval has been involved in the sport since 2012. He holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the tutelage of Mario “Busy” Correa, showcasing his exceptional grappling skills. Before making his way to the UFC, Royval had success in the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA), where he became the LFA Flyweight Champion.
Since his UFC debut, Royval has made a significant impact. In his first fight against Tim Elliott, he secured a submission victory, earning him the well-deserved accolade of Fight of the Night. He continued to impress in subsequent bouts against Kai Kara-France, displaying his submission prowess once again. While he faced a setback against Brandon Moreno, Royval remains a top-ranked contender in the flyweight division.
Outside of the octagon, Royval also works as a jiu-jitsu instructor at Factory X. His commitment to the sport led him to quit his full-time job in the juvenile justice system after his notable win against Kai Kara-France, allowing him to focus entirely on his MMA career.
With his remarkable achievements and recognition in both the UFC and LFA, Royval has solidified his position as one of the most exciting and promising fighters in the flyweight division. As of February 17, 2023, he holds the #4 rank in the UFC flyweight rankings, a testament to his skill and dedication.
Early Career and Amateur Record
Brandon Royval’s journey in the world of mixed martial arts began at a young age. At the age of 15, he started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai, honing his skills and laying the foundation for his future success. By the time he turned 18, Royval was ready to test himself in the amateur MMA circuit. He quickly made a name for himself, amassing a perfect 5-0 record as an amateur fighter.
In 2012, Royval made the transition to the professional ranks, signing with Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA), a well-respected promotion that has served as a stepping stone for many fighters on their path to the big leagues. Competing primarily in the flyweight division, Royval showcased his skills and determination in the cage. He compiled an impressive 8-3 record during his time in LFA, earning him recognition as a top prospect in the division.
Throughout his early career, Royval’s background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai provided him with a diverse skill set that allowed him to adapt to different opponents and situations. His well-rounded fighting style and relentless work ethic laid the groundwork for his future success in the UFC. As he continued to climb the ranks, Royval caught the attention of fans and promoters alike, setting the stage for his long-awaited debut in the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization.
UFC Debut and Rise to Prominence
Brandon Royval made his highly anticipated UFC debut on May 30, 2020, at UFC on ESPN: Woodley vs. Burns. He faced Tim Elliott in a thrilling flyweight bout that showcased his exceptional skills. Royval impressed fans and critics alike with his submission victory in the second round, securing the performance bonus for Fight of the Night. This victory marked the beginning of his rise to prominence in the UFC.
In his next bout on September 27, 2020, Royval faced Kai Kara-France. The fight proved to be another exciting display of Royval’s abilities, as he once again emerged victorious via submission in the second round. His remarkable performance earned him the Fight of the Night bonus for the second time, further solidifying his place as a top contender in the flyweight division.
Despite his early success, Royval faced a setback in his fight against Brandon Moreno on November 21, 2020. Moreno proved to be a formidable opponent, securing a technical knockout victory over Royval in the first round. Although the loss was disappointing, Royval’s resilience and determination remained evident as he continued to climb the ranks.
Table: Brandon Royval’s UFC Performances
Despite the loss to Moreno, Royval’s exceptional performances and exciting fighting style have earned him the respect and attention of fans and fellow fighters. He remains a top contender in the flyweight division, and his upcoming rematch with Alexandre Pantoja for the UFC Flyweight Championship title is eagerly anticipated by MMA enthusiasts.
Notable Wins and Achievements
Throughout his career in the UFC, Brandon Royval has secured several notable victories. These wins have showcased his skill and tenacity in the flyweight division, solidifying his position as a top contender. Let’s take a closer look at some of his most significant wins:
Alexandre Pantoja
On August 21, 2021, Royval faced off against Alexandre Pantoja in a highly anticipated bout. The fight lasted until the second round, where Royval secured a dominant victory via rear-naked choke, demonstrating his expertise in submissions. This win propelled Royval further up the flyweight rankings and proved his ability to compete against top-caliber opponents.
Rogério Bontorin
Another impressive victory for Royval came on January 15, 2022, when he took on Rogério Bontorin. The fight went the distance, with Royval ultimately winning by split decision. This hard-fought battle showcased Royval’s versatility and resilience, solidifying his reputation as a well-rounded fighter in the flyweight division.
Matt Schnell
One of Royval’s most memorable performances came on May 7, 2022, when he faced Matt Schnell. In a quick and explosive fight, Royval finished Schnell with a guillotine choke submission in the first round. This remarkable victory not only earned him the Fight of the Night bonus but also highlighted his ability to capitalize on opportunities and finish fights in impressive fashion.
Personal Life and Background
Brandon Royval, in addition to his professional fighting career, has a rich personal life and background. He was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, where he continues to reside. When he is not training and competing, Royval works as a jiu-jitsu instructor at Factory X, a renowned mixed martial arts gym in the area. His role as an instructor allows him to share his knowledge and expertise with aspiring fighters and enthusiasts who seek to learn the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Before pursuing a full-time career in MMA, Royval used to work in the juvenile justice system. However, after his impressive win against Kai Kara-France, he made the decision to quit his full-time job and focus entirely on his fighting career. This dedication and sacrifice reflect Royval’s commitment to his craft and his determination to reach the highest levels of success in the UFC’s flyweight division.
| Location | Role | Employer |
|---|---|---|
| Denver, Colorado | Jiu-Jitsu Instructor | Factory X |
By working at Factory X, Royval is able to train alongside other talented fighters and benefit from the guidance of experienced coaches. This dynamic training environment helps him refine his skills and stay at the top of his game. Furthermore, Royval’s role as an instructor allows him to stay connected to the martial arts community and continue to grow both personally and professionally.
Championships and Recognition
Brandon Royval has established himself as a top contender in the UFC flyweight division and has received recognition for his impressive performances. As of February 17, 2023, he holds the #4 ranking in the UFC flyweight rankings, showcasing his skills and potential as a title contender.
Before his UFC career, Royval made a name for himself in the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA), where he became the LFA Flyweight Champion. His success in LFA helped him secure a spot in the prestigious UFC, where he continues to showcase his exceptional talent and fighting abilities.
In addition to his championships, Royval has earned multiple accolades in the UFC. He has been awarded the Fight of the Night honors for his thrilling performances against Tim Elliott, Kai Kara-France, and Matt Schnell. These awards reflect his ability to engage in highly entertaining and competitive fights that captivate audiences.
