​LAS VEGAS — Brandon Royval has his sights set on his next target already. The veteran flyweight, entering UFC 329 with an 18-9 record and 8-5 in the UFC, is not wasting any time after his rollercoaster win over Lone’er Kavanagh. The victory, sealed by a late-submission finish, came after a frenetic 10 minutes that saw both men land heavy shots and trade momentum. Once Royval secured Kavanagh’s back and tightened the choke, the fight was over, and the celebration began. With his hand raised, Royval wasted no time in issuing a callout to the opponent he believes can push his career to the next level.
“ASU Alambayev, let’s go, baby,” Royval bellowed from the T-Mobile Arena after the main event. “You’re the best, you’re awesome. I want a shot at you because you’re great.” In the ensuing backstage interview with reporters, Royval explained that his message was less about trash talk and more about keeping himself active and positioned for another run at the UFC flyweight title. “I just want to stay busy, but I’m also a title contender,” he said. “I’m a title-worthy fighter, so I’m glad I could finally show it. I’m glad I could finally get a finish. It’s been a minute since I got a finish, and before I came to the UFC, I had a 100 percent finish rate.”
Royval admitted he hoped for a quick turnaround, ideally returning in August, but the particulars of the fight and the toll it took may necessitate more recovery time. He still hopes to compete again before October, before his baby is due, if possible. “I’d love to be back in there soon,” he added, “but health comes first.”
As for evaluating the fight itself, Royval conceded he couldn’t offer a precise breakdown just yet. The contest unfolded as a fast-paced, chaotic affair that left him with little memory of the finer details. “I’m going to have to look it over because I don’t really remember much of it,” he said. “I thought the first round played out beautifully. I felt like I won, and I thought I was fighting a high-level fight. I got a takedown, which I don’t do often, and I felt like I was beating him up on the feet. My jab looked really good. The second round, I don’t really know exactly what went wrong, but I still had fun in that fight. And then the third round, I don’t even know. I’m going to have to review it, but I’d say it has to be up there. It has to be in the top five, top three for sure.”
Royval’s performance at UFC 329 not only delivered his ninth career finish but also reaffirmed his status as a title-worthy challenger in the ultra-competitive flyweight division. His post-fight callout to Asu Almabayev signals a clear intention: stay active, rack up wins, and keep the conversation going for a potential title run. The flyweight division has long been characterized by its speed, technical precision, and constant movement, and Royval’s heart rate-punctuated pace fits that mold perfectly. If Almabayev is indeed the next target, fans can expect a compelling showdown that could shape the division’s immediate future.
Meanwhile, Royval’s immediate personal timeline will depend on medical clearance and scheduling realities. While the fight might have left a few bruises and required careful recovery, the urgency to return is tempered by the realities of preparation and bodily healing. The prospect of a fight before October remains appealing to him, provided health and logistics align, and his willingness to stay active should keep him in the UFC flyweight conversation for the foreseeable future.
In sum, Brandon Royval’s post-fight moment was less about basking in the glory of a finish and more about mapping out the next chapter. The allegiance to an ambitious title trajectory, accompanied by a willingness to test himself against rising contenders like Almabayev, underscores Royval’s determination to translate talent into sustained achievement in one of MMA’s most intricate divisions. As the UFC calendar moves forward, fans will be watching closely to see if the two could collide in a meaningful bout that could have ripple effects across the entire flyweight rankings.