Brandon Royval fires to put Askar Askarov – and himself – in hell at UFC Fight Night 212
LAS VEGAS — Often fighters aim to take as little damage as possible in a fight.
Saturday, Brandon Royval plans to do the opposite. Known for his hectic and wild fighting style, Royval (14-6 MMA, 4-2 UFC) admitted at a pre-fight press conference on Wednesday that he expects to take some damage to fight him. . Askar Askarov (14-1-1 MMA, 3-1-1 UFC) at UFC Fight Night 212.
“I’m going to fight and I want it to be hell for both of us,” Royval told MMA Junkie and other reporters. “If I feel hell and I feel the pain of a fight, I know he feels it. I want to put us both through hell and I want to come out the best person. That’s all the purpose of this fight is to drag us into hell and get out and light that fire.
Shortly after his UFC signing in 2020, it was a rocket ride to the bid for Royval, who beat Tim Elliott and Kai Kara-France in his first two promotional appearances. Losses to Brandon Moreno and Alexandre Pantoja followed, but Royval has bounced back recently with wins over Rogerio Bontorin and Matt Schnell.
Considering the division and his momentum, Royval believes this fight could be the most impactful of his career to date.
“It’s a huge game for me,” Royval said. “He’s a really gifted opponent. He feels bigger than the others, honestly. He really is. The more statement I can make in this fight, the closer I can get to a title and that’s always the main focus for all of us fighters anyway it’s just (to) get that championship belt as soon as possible and in the smoothest way possible and hopefully I can make a statement and make a campaign for that title or that candidate.
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Future title contention opportunities are on hold as the UFC’s flyweight division awaits the winner of the first tetralogy in promotion history. Champion Deiveson Figueiredo and former champion Brandon Moreno are tied at one win, one loss and one draw apiece. They will fight a fourth time January 21 to UFC 283 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Royval recognizes past enemy Pantoja is ahead of him in the queue, so he’s not looking directly at the titles. He wants to steal Pantoja’s place.
“I think Pantoja got the backup spot, but I can ideally try to navigate and go there and get a finish on Askarov,” Royval said. “I don’t see why it wouldn’t win me a Pantoja rematch on the undercard or somewhere on this card. Do you know what I’m saying? That’s the goal, man – to win this fight and then line up with one of these guys. The winner or loser of this fight would be great. Or Pantoja would be great. The winner would be even better, but I don’t necessarily see that happening right now.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s Event Center for UFC Fight Night 212.
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