UFC Fight Night Preview: Brandon Royval vs Tatsuro Taira

The UFC returns to the Apex on Saturday the 12th of October as the number one ranked contender in the flyweight division, Brandon Royval, takes on Tatsuro Taira, the number five ranked contender. The winner of this fight will likely be next in line to fight for the 125-pounds title, which Alexandre Pantoja currently holds.

Brandon Royval has already fought for the UFC flyweight title while Pantoja has been the champion, the Brazilian defeated the Colorado native, Royval, via unanimous decision back in December 2023. 

Taira, meanwhile, is currently riding one of the biggest waves of momentum in the UFC. The Japanese fighter is 15-0 in professional MMA, including 6-0 in the UFC, and with a win this coming Saturday, he'll undoubtedly be next in line for Pantoja's title. 

This is a very intriguing matchup because whilst Royval is considered an MMA veteran at this point, he is still only 32 years of age. He has the clear experience advantage in this one, especially in big fight moments, having previously claimed victory over former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno. 

On the flip side, Taira is unbeaten and is 8 years younger than the American, however, he does lack big fight experience. 

From a technical point of view, Royval has the advantage on the feet where he can use his excellent stamina and speed to set the pace of the fight and keep his volume high. Taira will likely want to take this fight to the ground and use his excellent grappling skills in order to avoid the quick combinations of Royval.

Both men have what it takes to challenge for the title, but winning it against an intelligent fighter like Pantoja would be a different challenge in itself. Do these men have what it takes to join the list of the best flyweight champions ever?

Best UFC Flyweight Champions of All Time

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The UFC flyweight division has been around since 2012, and at one stage, there were rumours stating the company wanted to disband the weight class, even despite the 125-pounds division being home to several top fighters over the years.

Here is a list of the best UFC flyweight champions of all time, at the time of writing.

4. Henry Cejudo 

At one stage, Henry Cejudo was being considered as one of the greatest of all time. After capturing the flyweight title in 2018, by beating one of the best to ever do it, Demetrious Johnson, he soon defended his title by knocking out TJ Dillashaw in under a minute.

The Mexican-American would only reign as the 125-pounds champion for a year before jumping up to bantamweight and becoming a double champion in the UFC.

3. Brandon Moreno

Brandon Moreno//Getty Images

Brandon Moreno is one of the best supported fighters on the active UFC roster and it's for many reasons. Firstly, his fighting style just simply makes for fight of the year contenders. Secondly, he is one of the nicest and most humble fighters in the sport. Lastly, his story is fascinating.

The Mexican was cut by the organisation in 2018 before rising to the pinnacle of the sport. In 2021, he became the interim champion, before claiming the flyweight title in 2023 after an extraordinary trilogy with Deiveson Figueiredo. Moreno would ultimately lose his title via split decision against the current champ, Pantoja.

2. Deiveson Figueiredo 

Deiveson Figueiredo//Getty Images

Deiveson Figueiredo won the 125-pounds belt multiple times, firstly in 2020, and then again in 2022. In his first reign as champion, the Brazilian was able to defend his belt two times, before losing it to Moreno by submission. Then, after avenging his loss and claiming his title back from Moreno, his second reign then came to an end by the hands of Moreno, which capped off one of the best trilogies in UFC history.