‘UFC 301 Is a Go!’ Brandon Royval Argues for Title Shot Over Division’s Dark Horse
Brandon Royval believes he's done enough for another crack at Alexandre Pantoja.
In the main event of UFC Mexico, the former UFC title challenger upset ex-champ Brandon Moreno in enemy territory. Royval's output over the distance landed him a split decision victory and a new #1 ranking in the flyweight division.
The current landscape at 125lbs is somewhat shallow with current champion Pantoja having 'cleaned house' against multiple contenders and some even twice, like Royval, who fell short in 2021 and 2024.
Still, this wouldn't stop 'Raw Dawg' from calling for the next flyweight title shot as Brazil's Pantoja needs a challenger at UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro.
"Knees cleared, beat the #1 ranked fighter on short notice in his own country. I’m not getting held down ever again. UFC 301 is a go for me," Royval wrote on 'X'.
'The Cannibal' isn't so intrigued by a third fight with Royval, eyeing his dinner in a fresh, new contender. That's #8 ranked Muhammad Mokaev, who fights Alex Perez this weekend at UFC Vegas 87.
"I think it makes total sense if he wins," Pantoja said of Mokaev (via MMA Fighting). "Moreno had the ball on his court [and lost], and now Mokaev has it. Let’s see what happens.”
Royval doesn't understand the logic in the undefeated Mokaev shooting straight to a title fight, should he reign victorious on Saturday.
"No disrespect to anyone but a win over someone who hasn’t beat a current UFC fighter on the roster doesn’t mean much," Royval said of Mokaev on 'X'.
As of now, Muhammad Mokaev stands at a perfect 5-0 record in the UFC, with his biggest win to date being that over 'The Ultimate Fighter' season 24 winner Tim Elliott.
If given a shot at UFC 301, the 23 year-old Mokaev could be the second-youngest fighter in UFC history to win a championship, only behind Jon Jones.
Of course, Brandon Royval has other plans. We'll have to wait and see which fighter gets the much-desired title fight with Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 301.
Stick with MMA Knockout for more daily coverage of the UFC and MMA