Brandon Royval understands exactly what the UFC is trying to accomplish with his fight against Lone’er Kavanagh.
The longtime flyweight contender discussed the promotion’s matchmaking, his motivation to defend his spot in the rankings, and why he expects fireworks when he steps into the octagon on Saturday night.
“I could see it coming. As soon as that bout was over I’m like I’m sure they’re going to present this next or something of that sort,” Royval told reporters including Cageside Press on Wednesday.
“I actually thought I had a fight in place and then he won that fight and they’re like actually this is the fight we’re going to make. So it’s kind of how it unfolded. I knew we were fighting probably like the next day after he won that fight. They made that fight quick.”
Royval isn’t approaching Saturday night’s fight like just another paycheck or another ranking defense. The longtime flyweight contender says every rising prospect is trying to take his place, and he has no intention of letting that happen.
“I’ve always been this way, but I take everything personal. This is personal, this is someone trying to take my spot, I’ve been in the top 5 of this division for maybe like three or four years. Most my UFC career I’ve been in the top 5,” he said.
“I take it personal. They’re trying to push me out and it’s my job to make a statement and stay in there.”
Royval admits the matchup with Kavanagh wasn’t necessarily the fight he would have chosen, but he understands exactly why the UFC made it. From his perspective, the promotion wanted guaranteed fireworks, and he plans to deliver.
“Hate it or love it…for me I don’t personally love it. This is why they made that fight. They made this fight to be exciting and that’s what’s going to happen,” said Royval.
“There’s a reason they booked this fight so far out and right after Lone’er Kavanagh won because this is an exciting fight to make and this is what they want. This is why I get paid and this is why I’m here. The opportunity is fill my pocket full of cash and make a statement.”
Watch the entire media day scrum above. He faces Lone’er Kavanagh at UFC 329 on Saturday night.
