Saturday’s UFC Vegas 989 occasion was headlined by a flyweight bout between high contender Brandon Royval and fifth-ranked Tatsuro Taira.
Royval entered the bout coming off a win over former two-time titleholder Brandon Moreno. The previous title challenger has gained 4 of his final 5 fights. Taira introduced an undefeated file (16-0) with him to the octagon. He had final fought in January, defeating Alex Perez by way of TKO.
Each fighters have been cautious within the early going, measuring distance. Taira caught a physique kick and seemed to get the battle to the bottom however Royval defended the try. Taira related with a clear proper hand. Royval pawed together with his jab and seemed to arrange head kicks. Taira stayed simply out of the best way of them. As Taira closed this distance, Royval delivered a left hand. Royval discovered the timing early and commenced touchdown left palms and elbows as Taira entered the pocket.
Throughout an trade, Royval stumbled and Taira used the chance to shut the gap and clinch. He pulled Royval away from the cage and took him down within the heart of the octagon. Royval remoted a leg however Taira pulled his leg free. MMAWeekly scored the primary spherical 10-9 for Royval.
Taira landed a proper hand to start out the second body. Royval moved ahead with a knee and Taira modified ranges and took him down. He took Royval’s again and delivered quick punches whereas making use of a physique triangle. Taira remained on Royval’s again and seemed to safe a rear-naked choke. Royval remained calm however Taira remained in management. Royval bought to his toes within the ultimate seconds. MMAWeekly scored the second spherical 10-9 for Taira
Taira related with a mixture within the opening seconds of the third spherical. Royval responded with a left hand. Royval landed a left hand as Taira closed the gap. Taira seemed to get the battle to the bottom. Royval defended the try and landed pictures within the course of. Royval began touchdown increasingly pictures. His left hand usually discovered a house. Taira went in retreat. He clinched and Royval secured a takedown. Taira appeared to have slowed.
With two minutes stay within the spherical, Royval picked up the aggression. Taira labored for a takedown however ended up on backside after absorbing a knee. Royval took Taira’s again and seemed to lock up an arm bar. Taira defended the submission try and gained high place. He took Royval’s again. He utilized a rear-naked choke however Royval survived the spherical. It was a detailed spherical however MMAWeekly scored it 10-9 for for Royval.
They exchanged proper palms early within the fourth. Royval delivered a mixture and Taira shortly closed the gap and took Royval down. He took the highest contender’s again and utilized a physique triangle. Royval tried to get himself out of the dangerous place however Taira remained in management. Taira delivered elbows however did not dish out a number of harm. He appeared extra involved with working for chokes. Royval fought the palms of Taira however misplaced the spherical. MMAWeekly scored it 10-9 for Taira.
Heading into the ultimate body, the battle was 2-2 on the MMAWeekly scorecard. Royval’s nook advised him to concentrate on boxing and keep away from being taken down in any respect prices.
Royval pressured Taira within the ultimate spherical and landed a mixture early. Royval used punches too preserve Taira on the surface nevertheless it solely landed so lengthy. 90 seconds into the spherical, Taira put Royval on the bottom. Royval reversed the place. Taira bought to his toes however Royval slammed him again to the canvas. Taira once more bought up and Royval separated with two minutes left on the clock.
Royval related with a mixture. He landed a heavy left. hand. Taira clinched however could not get the takedown. Taira landed proper hand and Royval responded with a mixture. Taira went for a double leg takedown however Royval utilized a guillotine choke. Taira rolled to flee and Royval took his again. Royval utilized a physique triangle and labored for an arm bar on the bell. MMAWeekly scored the spherical 10-9 for Royval.
The judges scored the battle for Royval by way of break up choice. The scorecards learn 48-47, 47-48, and 48-47.
