LAS VEGAS – Flyweight is a little log-jammed, but could a title shot still be on the line at UFC 329?
Lone’er Kavanagh faces Brandon Royval on the main card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and thinks a crack at gold is indeed what’s at stakes.
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“I think it puts me in good stead for a title challenge, you know?” Kavanagh told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a pre-fight news conference Wednesday. “I fought Brandon Moreno who is a former two-time world champion. I’m fighting Brandon Rovyal who has fought at that level. The last person who fought him got a title contender shot.”
Kavanagh (10-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) entered his first UFC main event in February as a long-shot underdog. After five rounds of beating up Moreno, he walked out of the cage with widespread belief from the combat sports community. The doubters are few and far between now.
“Obviously, it’s really nice growing a fanbase and I feel like I’ve got really supportive fans,” Kavanagh said. “For me, I don’t focus on that too much. It’s just what’s next and how do I get to where I want to be.”
The flyweight division is stacked with the title picture a tad unclear. Champion Joshua Van sits atop the throne with former champion Alexandre Pantoja waiting in the wings for a rematch. Top contender Manel Kape has also tried to make his claim for immediate involvement in a UFC title bout.
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The bout vs. Royval (17-9 MMA, 7-5 UFC) is not only important. It could be life-changing should it go his way.
“Oh, I was excited (when I was offered this fight),” Kavanagh said. “He’s a great fighter. He’s an exciting fighter. I think it’s going to be an exciting fight, so I’m looking forward to it.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Lone’er Kavanagh sees Brandon Royval as UFC 329 ticket to title shot
