Brandon Royval Shines at UFC Vegas 98

In an electrifying main event at UFC Vegas 98 last weekend, Brandon "Raw Dawg" Royval showcased why he's considered one of the elite flyweights in the world, taking down the highly promising Tatsuro Taira. While Royval secured a remarkable victory, he certainly faced a formidable challenge as he found himself ensnared in a deep body triangle that tested his grappling resilience.

Royval's Unique Experience with Taira's Body Triangle

Royval, known for his impressive ground game, revealed that Taira’s body triangle provided him with a sensation unlike anything he had ever experienced, even against seasoned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts. “I’ve faced many grapplers, including Brandon Moreno and Alexandre Pantoja,” Royval expressed on Michael Bisping's BYM Podcast. “But when Tatsuro locked in that body triangle, I felt a level of control that was incredibly different.”

A Deep Dive into the Match

Over the course of the match, Taira exhibited extraordinary grappling skills, securing over 12 minutes of control time and demonstrating grappling techniques that sent shockwaves through the MMA community. Royval reflected on his predicament: "I thought I had good body triangle escapes. But I couldn't shake him off at all. It felt like he had a different kind of strength, a totally different feeling. He kept finding ways to pull me back in every time I thought I was out."

Looking Ahead: Taira's Rising Status

With such a stellar performance, Taira has solidified his status as a fighter to watch in the UFC and many believe he has the potential to rise to championship glory. Royval is not only acknowledging Taira's skills but offering to help him refine his training. "I want to learn some of his tactics. If he ever needs anything—whether it's a place to stay, a ride, or anything else—my door is open to him," Royval said during the post-fight press conference, emphasizing camaraderie and sportsmanship among competitors.

The Evolving Landscape of MMA

As the flyweight division continues to heat up, eyes will be firmly on Tatsuro Taira’s next moves. With fighters like Royval willing to share insights and support one another, the landscape of MMA is continuously evolving. The fight community is buzzing with excitement—will Taira become the next champion in the UFC? Only time will tell!