Johnson Targets Royval Rematch After UFC 330 Win

Charles Johnson wants another crack at Brandon Royval eight years after losing to him under the Legacy Fighting Alliance banner.

Johnson, who landed a Scottish twister submission at UFC 330 against short-notice opponent Eduardo Henrique — the second-ever finish of that type in UFC history — told Ariel Helwani that he is eyeing a quick turnaround and named three potential opponents for a main event spot. Royval sits at the top of the list.

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Johnson Eyes 90-Day Return With Royval At Top Of Wishlist

"I would love to fight as soon as I'm healthy, within the next 90 days," Johnson said on Helwani's show. "I would love a main event if it makes sense for the UFC. I'd like to fight Brandon Royval, Kyoji Horiguchi, or Tatsuro Taira. Give me one of those guys. They're all proven. And I want to show what I can do."

The 35-year-old flyweight, now 20-9 professionally, has already fought four times this year and bounced back from a loss to Asu Almabayev with the submission of Henrique. Johnson holds wins over top contender Lone'er Kavanagh and current champion Joshua Van.

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Royval enters the conversation coming off a win over Kavanagh that erased back-to-back losses to Van and Manel Kape. Johnson believes Royval is the most proven of his three named targets and predicted the rematch would produce a fight-of-the-year candidate. Royval is 18-9 overall.

Johnson stepped up at UFC 330 after original opponent Jose Ochoa withdrew. The win puts him back in the flyweight mix with his sights set on settling unfinished business from 2018.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Charles Johnson wants to avenge Brandon Royval loss in UFC rematch