Brandon Royval («Raw Dawg»)
* Age: 32 (Aug 16, 1992)
* Height: 5’7" / 170.18 cm
* Weight: 125 lbs / 56.7 kg
* Association: Factory X
* Class: Flyweight
* Record: 16-7
* KO/TKO Wins: 4 (25%)
* Submission Wins: 9 (56%)
* Decision Wins: 3 (19%)
* KO/TKO Losses: 1 (14%)
* Submission Losses: 1 (14%)
* Decision Losses: 5 (71%)
Royval is known for his unorthodox style and finishing ability, with 81% of his wins coming by stoppage. His submission game, particularly his guillotine choke, is his most dangerous weapon. Royval has faced top-tier competition throughout his career, including two fights against Brandon Moreno and a submission win over Kai Kara-France. Despite setbacks, he remains one of the most exciting fighters in the division.
Brandon Royval - Last 5 Fights
* Win vs. Brandon Moreno – UFC Fight Night 237 (Feb 24, 2024) – Decision (Split)
* Loss vs. Alexandre Pantoja – UFC 296 (Dec 16, 2023) – Decision (Unanimous)
* Win vs. Matheus Nicolau – UFC on ESPN 44 (Apr 15, 2023) – KO (Knee and Elbows)
* Win vs. Matt Schnell – UFC 274 (May 07, 2022) – Submission (Guillotine Choke)
* Win vs. Rogerio Bontorin – UFC on ESPN 32 (Jan 15, 2022) – Decision (Split)
Tatsuro Taira
* Age: 24 (Jan 27, 2000)
* Height: 5’7" / 170.18 cm
* Weight: 125 lbs / 56.7 kg
* Association: The Blackbelt Japan
* Class: Flyweight
* Record: 16-0
* KO/TKO Wins: 5 (31%)
* Submission Wins: 7 (44%)
* Decision Wins: 4 (25%)
Taira is a rising phenom in the flyweight division, boasting an undefeated record. His submission game is highly dangerous, with 44% of his victories coming by way of submission. Taira has demonstrated his well-rounded skill set in recent fights, including his submission win over Jesus Santos Aguilar and his TKO win over Alex Perez, solidifying his position as a contender to watch.
Tatsuro Taira - Last 5 Fights
* Win vs. Alex Perez – UFC on ESPN 58 (Jun 15, 2024) – TKO (Knee Injury)
* Win vs. Carlos Hernandez – UFC Fight Night 233 (Dec 09, 2023) – TKO (Punches)
* Win vs. Edgar Chairez – UFC 290 (Jul 08, 2023) – Decision (Unanimous)
* Win vs. Jesus Santos Aguilar – UFC Fight Night 218 (Feb 04, 2023) – Submission (Triangle Armbar)
* Win vs. C.J. Vergara – UFC Fight Night 212 (Oct 15, 2022) – Submission (Armbar)
Fight Breakdown
This fight will showcase two of the flyweight division’s most exciting fighters. Royval’s unpredictability and submission game make him a constant threat, while Taira’s undefeated streak and superior grappling could pose problems for Royval. The fight may come down to whether Royval can keep the bout standing and utilize his striking or if Taira can take Royval down and control him on the mat.
Prediction
Tatsuro Taira’s youth, grappling, and undefeated record give him the edge in this matchup. While Royval is dangerous, Taira’s ability to control the fight on the ground could be the deciding factor.
Prediction: Tatsuro Taira by Submission (Round 2).
