​LAS VEGAS — Flyweight contender Lone’er Kavanagh says a shot at UFC gold could be within reach if he can topple Brandon Royval on the main card at UFC 329 at the T-Mobile Arena. Kavanagh believes the stakes are high, and a victory over Royval could set him on a direct path to a title challenge.
Speaking at a pre-fight press conference on Wednesday, Kavanagh told MMA Junkie and other reporters that the matchup with Royval is more than just another win on his résumé. He emphasized that beating a fighter who has competed at the highest level in the division should position him for a legitimate title bid. “I think it puts me in good stead for a title challenge, you know?” Kavanagh said. “I fought Brandon Moreno, who is a former two-time world champion. I’m fighting Brandon Royval, who has competed at that level. The last person who fought him got a title contender shot.” The Irish fighter, who holds a professional record of 10-1 (3-1 in the UFC), reflected on his rapid rise inside the promotion. He initially headlined in February as an underdog, only to deliver five rounds of relentless pressure against Moreno, ultimately earning widespread respect from fans and pundits across the combat-sports landscape. “Obviously, it’s really nice growing a fanbase and I feel like I’ve got really supportive fans,” Kavanagh said. “For me, I don’t focus on that too much. It’s just what’s next and how do I get to where I want to be.”
The flyweight division remains crowded, with Joshua Van occupying the champion’s throne and Alexandre Pantoja waiting in the wings for a rematch. Top challenger Manel Kape has also pursued an immediate title shot, underscoring how competitive the 125-pound weight class is these days. In this context, Kavanagh’s upcoming bout against Royval has outsized implications beyond mere ranking as the winner could arguably position themselves for a direct run at the belt.
Royval, who enters with a 17-9 record (7-5 in the UFC), is not only a dangerous opponent but also a dynamic one who has delivered memorable performances inside the Octagon. The prospect of facing him excites Kavanagh. “Oh, I was excited when I was offered this fight,” Kavanagh said. “He’s a great fighter. He’s an exciting fighter. I think it’s going to be an exciting fight, so I’m looking forward to it.”
As fight week unfolds, the looming question remains: can Kavanagh leverage a victory over Royval into an eventual title shot? If he can replicate the approach that fueled his impressive performance against Moreno, the odds might tilt in his favor. The win at UFC 329 would not only mark a notable achievement on his record but could also serve as a seismic signal to the wider division that a new challenger is ready to stand at the edge of the title picture.
This piece originally appeared on MMA Junkie with the headline centered on Lone’er Kavanagh viewing Brandon Royval as UFC 329’s gateway to a potential title shot. The overarching narrative is simple: win decisively, and the door to the title picture could swing open wider than it has in months for the rising flyweight.