Brandon Royval reveals his knee has been “cleared,” targets Alexandre Pantoja trilogy at UFC 301

Brandon Royval says he will be prepared to fight Alexandre Pantoja for the flyweight title at UFC 301 in Brazil in May.

Royval picked up the biggest win of his career last weekend as he beat Brandon Moreno by split decision in the main event of UFC Mexico City in a fight he took on short notice. With the win, ‘Raw Dawg’ called for a trilogy with Pantoja in May as he was ready to make a quick turnaround.

However, earlier this week, Brandon Royval took to his FaceBook to reveal he likely tore his MCL in the first round of the fight.

“From public enemy number 1 to number 1 contender. Came off the couch for a short notice fight against a former champion in his hometown. Most likely tore my MCL in the first minute of the fight. Hate it or love it though the underdogs on top,” Royval wrote on his FaceBook.

However, just a few days later, Royval took to social media to reveal his knee has been cleared and he is ready to turn around in May.

Knees cleared, beat the #1 ranked fighter on short notice in his own country. I’m not getting held down ever again. UFC 301 is a go for me

— Brandon (@brandonroyval) March 1, 2024

“Knees cleared, beat the #1 ranked fighter on short notice in his own country. I’m not getting held down ever again. UFC 301 is a go for me,” Royval said.

Although Royval’s knee is cleared, it’s uncertain if he will even get the next title shot, ‘Raw Dawg’ is 0-2 against Alexandre Pantoja having been submitted and lost a dominant decision for the belt back in December. As well, undefeated prospect Muhammad Mokaev has called for a title shot with a win over Alex Perez on Saturday at UFC Vegas 87, but Royval doesn’t see that happening.

No disrespect to anyone but a win over someone who hasn’t beat a current UFC fighter on the roster doesn’t mean much.

— Brandon (@brandonroyval) March 1, 2024

“No disrespect to anyone but a win over someone who hasn’t beat a current UFC fighter on the roster doesn’t mean much,” Royval added.

Brandon Royval is currently the No. 1 ranked flyweight and is 16-7 as a pro, while being 6-3 in the UFC. Royval has notable wins over Matheus Nicolau by KO, Matt Schnell by submission and a submission win over Tim Elliott.