UFC contender back to the drawing board after loss to Manel Kape
Brandon Royval’s title hopes took a big hit after a loss to Manel Kape in the UFC Vegas 112 main event.
The perennial top 5 contender had hoped to keep his name in the mix at 125 pounds when he fought Kape on Saturday, but he instead suffered just the second knockout loss of his career as he was blitzed by Kape in a bout that lasted a little over three minutes. Royval is now just 2-2 since losing a championship bout to Alexandre Pantoja in December 2023.
Following his latest loss, Royval shared a message on Instagram:
“Thank you for all who checked up on me, sad about the loss but my health is OK and live to fight another day,” Royval wrote.
Had Royval won, it’s unlikely he would have received a title shot next as he recently lost a thrilling decision to recently crowned flyweight champion Joshua Van. It’s Kape who could be granted the opportunity as he later declared himself Van’s “worst nightmare” and Van responded he’s open to the fight, especially if it’s booked to take place in his hometown of Houston.
Royval, 33, has fought twice a year since 2022 and consistently against top competition, including Kape, Van, Pantoja, Brandon Moreno, and Tatsuro Taira. This most recent setback could see “Raw Dawg” take some time off before jumping back into the fray.
Category: General Sports
