Brandon Royval believes he deserves a title shot against Alexandre Pantoja despite two previous losses to him, arguing his recent victories and standing in the division merit it, but acknowledges that UFC matchmakers might consider other contenders like Kai Kara-France or Deiveson Figueiredo instead.
Brandon Royval knew the stakes at UFC 310. If Alexandre Pantoja retained his title, Royval’s path to another shot would be tougher. Despite wins over top contenders, he’s lost twice to Pantoja. Yet, he believes a third fight is possible, especially after defeating former champ Brandon Moreno and the previously undefeated Tatsuro Taira.
Interestingly, after his win over Kai Asakura, Royval got a moment with Pantoja. The Brazilian acknowledged him as the next rightful challenger. “They let me go up and talk to him right after the fight,” Royval said. “He told me I deserve the title shot next.”
Royval feels it’s plain and simple: he deserves the title shot. But will he get it? He’s not so sure. While Pantoja respects him, the conversation quickly shifted to other contenders like Kai Kara-France and Deiveson Figueiredo.
Royval understands why he might not be the popular pick due to his history with Pantoja. Still, he doesn’t see Kara-France or Figueiredo as real threats. In his view, Pantoja would dominate Kara-France, and Figueiredo hasn’t impressed lately at flyweight.
Adding fuel to the fire, Royval has a submission win over Kara-France. But he knows having fought—and lost—to Pantoja twice already doesn’t help his case. Even if Pantoja sees him as the rightful contender, that may not sway UFC matchmakers.
“If we’re going purely off merit, I’m next,” Royval insists. Yet he knows circumstances might not favor him. Despite being ranked among the top three flyweights alongside Moreno and Kara-France, he’s been left waiting.
If denied a title shot, Royval is ready to take on anyone in his path—much like Max Holloway did for a third fight against Volkanovski. “Whoever they give me, I’m taking them out,” he declared.
Royval isn’t opposed to new challenges either. With past champions eyeing flyweight again, he’s keeping tabs on potential matchups. “If 135’ers like Henry Cejudo drop down, I want in,” Royval said.
He’s confident about facing Figueiredo at flyweight. “If he looks like he did before, it’ll be a bad night for him,” Royval predicted. At 135, Figueiredo has been strong—but if he returns to 125 looking vulnerable, Royval plans to make it a highlight reel moment.