In the UFC Vegas 98 main event, flyweights Brandon Royval and Tatsuro Taira put on an exciting, back-and-forth battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Royval (17-7 MMA) came into the fight riding high after a split decision win over former champion Brandon Moreno back in February. With a 4-1 record in his last five fights, Royval’s only loss during this stretch came against the reigning flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja.
On the other side, Japan’s Tatsuro Taira (16-1 MMA) entered the matchup undefeated in the UFC, boasting a perfect 6-0 record since joining the promotion in May 2022. Known for his finishing abilities, Taira had secured four finishes in his six Octagon wins, with two by submission and two by TKO.
The fight kicked off with Royval establishing himself early, controlling the first round with sharp striking and movement that kept Taira on the defensive. It looked like ‘Raw Dawg’ was in his element, utilizing his footwork and precision to pick apart his younger opponent. However, Taira bounced back in the second round, showcasing his grappling skills and managing to smother Royval on the ground for most of the round.
UFC Fighters React to Brandon Royval Upset Win Over UFC Vegas 98
As the bout progressed, both fighters traded rounds. In the third, Royval regained control with his stand-up, throwing combinations that kept Taira at bay. But the Japanese standout was not out of the fight, finding ways to drag Royval to the mat and attempting submissions that threatened to end the contest.
By the time the fight reached the fifth and final round, it was clear that the decision would come down to which fighter could impose their will in the last minutes. Royval dug deep, pushing the pace and nearly securing a late submission with a rear-naked choke. Taira, however, managed to survive and the fight went to the judges.
When the scorecards were read, it was Royval who came out on top, earning a split decision victory with scores of 48-47, 47-48, and 48-47. While Taira tasted defeat for the first time in his UFC career, his performance against a top-tier contender like Royval showed he has the tools to compete at the highest level.
The win marked Royval’s second consecutive victory and further solidified his position among the elite of the flyweight division. After the fight, it’s clear that Royval has his eyes set on another title shot, eager to prove that he deserves another crack at the belt.
This bout was a prime example of how dynamic the UFC flyweight division has become, with both fighters showcasing their skill sets and delivering a thrilling contest that could be a contender for Fight of the Night. Fans can expect both Royval and Taira to continue making waves in the division, and this battle will likely be remembered as a key moment in their respective careers.
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Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
