Brandon Royval secures redemption with a split decision win over Brandon Moreno in the main event of UFC Fight Night. Read about the intense battle and Royval’s call for a rematch with flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja.
| Fight | Result |
|---|---|
| Brandon Royval vs. Brandon Moreno | Royval def. Moreno via split decision (48-47, 46-49, 48-47) |
| Brian Ortega vs. Yair Rodriguez | Ortega def. Rodriguez via third-round submission (arm triangle choke) |
| Daniel Zellhuber vs. Francisco Prado | Zellhuber def. Prado via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) |
| Raul Rosas Jr. vs. Ricky Turcios | Fight canceled due to Rosas illness |
| Yazmin Jauregui vs. Sam Hughes | Jauregui def. Hughes via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) |
| Manuel Torres vs. Chris Duncan | Torres def. Duncan via first-round submission (rear-naked choke) |
Brandon Royval’s Redemption
Two months after his first title loss, an opportunistic Brandon Royval may have just stamped his ticket directly back into the UFC flyweight championship picture. Royval (16-7), who accepted a late offer to replace top contender Amir Albazi following his withdrawal, edged out two-time former champion Brandon Moreno via split decision over five competitive rounds on Saturday in the main event of UFC Fight Night at Arena CDMX in Mexico City.
In a fight that showcased contrasting styles, Royval’s relentless jabs from a distance clashed with Moreno’s counter right hands and calf kicks. Seeking revenge for his previous defeat to Moreno in 2020, Royval showcased his resilience and determination throughout the fight.
With newly crowned flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja in attendance, Royval wasted no time in calling him out for a rematch. Royval exclaimed, "I’m a f—ing gangster. I’m the realest one in this f—ing flyweight division. Everybody wants to grab me all day. Speaking of grabbing, I hear Pantoja is in the building. Let’s run it back, motherf—er. Ain’t [a] motherf—er holding me ever again. I’m going to people’s houses and I’m taking their f—ing shit."
Despite his grappling skills, Moreno struggled to execute his game plan in the high altitude of Mexico City. Although he managed to take Royval down three times, he could only secure 47 seconds of control time. Moreno relied on his looping overhand rights to land significant strikes, but Royval’s activity and versatility allowed him to steal the decision.
The final round saw both fighters pushing the pace. Royval switched stances and increased his output, while Moreno continued to land effective punches. However, Royval’s significant strike count and overall activity gave him the edge on the scorecards.
With this victory, Royval has put himself back in the title conversation, and fans eagerly await a potential rematch between him and Pantoja. The flyweight division continues to deliver thrilling matchups, and this fight was no exception.
UFC Fight Night Results
- Brandon Royval def. Brandon Moreno via split decision (48-47, 46-49, 48-47)
- Brian Ortega def. Yair Rodriguez via third-round submission (arm triangle choke)
- Daniel Zellhuber vs. Francisco Prado via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
- Raul Rosas Jr. vs. Ricky Turcios, bantamweights (Canceled, Rosas illness)
- Yazmin Jauregui def. Sam Hughes via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Manuel Torres def. Chris Duncan via first-round submission (rear-naked choke)
