Brandon Royval says UFC trying to push him out at UFC 329

Brandon Royval believes the UFC is trying to force him out of the flyweight top five when he faces Lone'er Kavanagh at UFC 329 this weekend in Las Vegas.

Royval told reporters at media day that he saw the matchup coming the moment Kavanagh beat Brandon Moreno at UFC Mexico City. "As soon as that fight was over, I was sure they were going to present it to me," he said, per MMA Mania. The former title challenger is riding back-to-back losses for only the second time in his career and faces a surging contender who just dominated a two-time champion.

Why Royval takes Kavanagh fight personally

For Royval, the booking feels like more than matchmaking. "I've been in the Top 5 in this division for like four to five years — most of my UFC career I've been in the Top 5 — and I take it personally that they are trying to push me out," he said. "It's my job to make a statement and stay in there." Kavanagh enters on a major win while Royval has been one of the division's most proven and entertaining fighters despite recent setbacks.

Royval acknowledged the UFC made the fight for a reason. "They made this fight because it's exciting, and that is what is going to happen," he said. "The opportunity is to fill my pocket full of cash, make a statement, and put on another high-level, exciting fight." Royval has delivered action in wins and losses throughout his flyweight run, but Saturday is about keeping his ranking.

UFC 329 takes place at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday with Royval and Kavanagh on the main card.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — UFC 329’s Brandon Royval believes the promotion is ‘trying to push him out’ of the rankings – ‘It’s personal’