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“Sometimes it’s easier to stay still and pick your shots,” Royval said. “I’m a very vengeful fighter. If I get hit, I want to get that back immediately, and that’s not always the best case. Sometimes you just chalk it up and get back to it later.”
That added patience will be tested against Kavanagh, one of the fastest-rising names in the flyweight division. The 10-1 contender has impressed with his speed and technical striking, attributes Royval openly praised while offering a candid assessment of his own style.
“He’s super explosive. He’s super fast,” Royval said. “He’s a really technical striker. I’m not any of that. I’m a little chaotic.”
But Royval believes what he lacks in polish, he makes up for with relentless pressure.
“I have a pace that I don’t think he can keep up with,” he said.
Royval also refuses to overlook the challenge simply because Kavanagh is still climbing the rankings.
“I think Lone’er Kavanagh will be a top name no matter what,” Royval said. “He’s a serious threat and a seriously skilled opponent. I already consider him one of the best.”
The matchup serves as a classic crossroads fight between an established contender looking to regain momentum and a rising prospect seeking the biggest win of his career.
For Royval, experience remains one of his greatest advantages. Having fought for UFC gold and shared the Octagon with many of the division’s top contenders, he believes every setback has added another layer to his game.
“It’s learned experience,” Royval said. “What do I learn from this? What do I take away from this? How do I grow from it? I’ve had a lot of those moments.”
With the flyweight division entering a new era under champion Joshua Van, Saturday’s contest carries significant implications. A victory would likely keep Royval firmly in the championship conversation while halting one of the division’s fastest-rising contenders.
More than anything, Royval wants to remind fans and the rest of the division exactly where he belongs.
“I want to be undeniable,” Royval said. “I want people to put some respect on my name, and I just want to take it.”
Don’t miss a moment of UFC 329: McGregor vs Holloway 2, live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 11, 2026. The early prelims begin at 5pm ET/2pm PT, followed by the prelims at 7pm ET/4pm PT and main card at 9pm ET/6pm PT. Stream the entire event live on Paramount+.
Source: www.ufc.com
