Saturday’s UFC Vegas 989 occasion was headlined by a flyweight bout between prime 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 document (16-0) with him to the octagon. He had final fought in January, defeating Alex Perez through TKO.
Each fighters have been cautious within the early going, measuring distance. Taira caught a physique kick and appeared to get the battle to the bottom however Royval defended the try. Taira related with a clear proper hand. Royval pawed along with his jab and appeared to arrange head kicks. Taira stayed simply out of the way in which of them. As Taira closed this distance, Royval delivered a left hand. Royval discovered the timing early and started touchdown left fingers and elbows as Taira entered the pocket.
Throughout an alternate, Royval stumbled and Taira used the chance to shut the space 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 appeared to safe a rear-naked choke. Royval remained calm however Taira remained in management. Royval obtained to his toes within the closing seconds. MMAWeekly scored the second spherical 10-9 for Taira
Taira related with a mix within the opening seconds of the third spherical. Royval responded with a left hand. Royval landed a left hand as Taira closed the space. Taira appeared to get the battle to the bottom. Royval defended the try and landed photographs within the course of. Royval began touchdown increasingly more photographs. His left hand commonly 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 appeared to lock up an arm bar. Taira defended the submission try and gained prime 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 fingers early within the fourth. Royval delivered a mix and Taira shortly closed the space and took Royval down. He took the highest contender’s again and utilized a physique triangle. Royval tried to get himself out of the unhealthy place however Taira remained in management. Taira delivered elbows however did not dish out a whole lot of harm. He appeared extra involved with working for chokes. Royval fought the fingers 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 instructed him to give attention to boxing and keep away from being taken down in any respect prices.
Royval pressured Taira within the closing spherical and landed a mix early. Royval used punches too preserve Taira on the skin but it surely solely landed so lengthy. 90 seconds into the spherical, Taira put Royval on the bottom. Royval reversed the place. Taira obtained to his toes however Royval slammed him again to the canvas. Taira once more obtained up and Royval separated with two minutes left on the clock.
Royval related with a mix. He landed a heavy left. hand. Taira clinched however could not get the takedown. Taira landed proper hand and Royval responded with a mix. 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 through cut up choice. The scorecards learn 48-47, 47-48, and 48-47.
