Former UFC flyweight title challenger Brandon Royval held off one of the most talented prospects in his division Saturday as he handed Tatsuro Taira his first professional loss via split decision.
Royval (17-7) outlasted Taira (16-1) in a back-and-forth flyweight contest in the main event of UFC Fight Night inside the UFC’s Apex facility in Las Vegas. Royval hurt Taira multiple times on the feet but found himself in plenty of bad positions on the floor. Two of the three judges scored the 125-pound division fight 48-47 in favor of Royval, while a third had it 48-47 for Taira.
Immediately afterward, Royval, 32, praised the skills of his opponent and referred to him as a future champion, before calling for his own title shot.
“I thought I was going to take him to school,” Royval said. “I thought I was going to take him out in the first round. Taira, if you ever need anything, I’m here for you. You’re gonna become a champion someday. I’ll be there for you, bro. … I have beat everybody in the top 5. I get that title shot next.”