The UFC took to Mexico City to host the UFC Fight Night 237 for the sixth time. The event had lined up cards of talented and deadly Mexican and Latin-American athletes. Headlining the main event was the rematch battle between former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno and title challenger Brandon Royval. The rematch battle occurred on February 24 2024, four years after their standoff in November 2020. Royval suffered defeat at Moreno’s hand after a first-round knockout, but it was declared a technical knockout.
Royval had waited all these years to prove himself worthy at this rematch and did not disappoint. He showcased incredible output and outstanding striking skills. The fight began with Royval stalking Moreno before landing a low leg kick. Moreno counters with a high kick, to which Royval responds with a body shot that almost falls Moreno. The fighters remained cautious through the first round, but Royval landed a couple of nice jabs. Moreno countered with a precise overhand that rocked Royval. The two athletes grappled to the mat, and Moreno followed with a couple of punches before Royval tried for an unsuccessful triangle choke before round one ended.
Rounds two and three saw Royval coming in hot with low leg kicks and quick jabs, but Moreno kept his defenses up. Moreno went in for a takedown, but Royval returned to his feet. Royval delivered an illegal strike to the groin, leading to a pause in the match. But, shortly after resuming, Royval went in for a body shot and tried for a leg kick before Moreno within for an unsuccessful takedown. As the fight moved into the fourth round, Royval remained an aggressor, delivering jab comb. Moreno remained defensive and spent more time reacting to Royval with weak jabs, landing zero substantial strikes. He soon landed a combo that began with a big right hook followed by a stiff leg kick. Royval retaliated with a hard punch that snapped Moreno’s head back before he went in for a takedown against the cage.
After the recess, the final round began with Moreno landing a well-timed overhand punch, but Royval, seeking restitution, responded with jabs of his own while Moreno slowed down. He clinched Royval to the cage and tried for a few unsuccessful body shots before the referee broke through. Both opponents continued to exchange blows before Moreno went in for a body lock, but Royval broke through. The two continued to land precise head strikes and body shots before the match finally ended. After the scorecards were tallied, Royval emerged victoria via a split decision.
Royval’s determination to win this fight led to his brilliant performance and incredible volume, dolling 400 strikes in the five-round match, although not all the strikes hit the mark. The battle may not have lived up to expectations due to its slow start and cautious rounds, but Royval still got his revenge and won.
After his win, Royval sent a message to UFC flyweight champion and former opponent Alexandre Pantoja, who was in attendance. “I’m a f***** gangsta. I’m the realest one in this f****** flyweight division. Everybody wants to grab me all day. Speaking of grabbing, I hear Pantoja’s in the building, let’s run that s*** back, motherf*****,” he shouted.
Although Royval’s victory puts him back in the winning column and the race for the flyweight title, it is unknown if he’ll get another shot at Pantajo after his last two losses to the champion. On the other hand, Moreno has now suffered back-to-back losses just before his release from the UFC.
