‘The most disrespected fighter in the UFC’ could be granted another title fight by Dana White.
It’s International Fight Week in Las Vegas and two titles are on the line at UFC 317. In the main event, Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira collide for the vacant title. The lightweights faced off for the first time at the UFC 317 press conference on Thursday.
The co-headliner is for the flyweight championship as Alexandre Pantoja defends his title for a fourth time against Kai Kara-France.
As of today, this isn’t the only flyweight matchup on the card with high stakes.
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Dana White says winner of Brandon Royval vs. Joshua Van will fight for flyweight title
The UFC 317 main card features a flyweight bout between the #1 contender Brandon Royval and the #12-ranked Joshua Van, a hot prospect who’s slightly older than Jon Jones was when he won the title at 23 years old.
Van, who was victorious at UFC 316 earlier this month, stepped in as a short-notice replacement for Manel Kape after he pulled out due to injury. Van is one of the most active fighters in the UFC; this will be his sixth fight in eleven months.
Royval is 7-3 in the UFC, with his only losses coming to Brandon Moreno and the champion Pantoja (twice). The former title challenger is hunting for a title shot after back-to-back wins over Moreno and 16-0 prospect Tatsuro Taira.
On Thursday, UFC boss Dana White was asked if the winner of Royval vs. Van would fight for the flyweight title next.
“The guy just asked [Royval], you feel like you’re the most disrespected fighter in the UFC…’ I guess I gotta say yes to that question then. Yes,” White said.
“That’s what the f— we’re talking about,” Royval said.
“Let’s bring that s—, Josh, and we’re gonna get some bonuses on top of that s—.”
“Let’s do this s—, man,” the 23-year-old Van responded.
Brandon Royval said he is the UFC’s most disrespected fighter
Royval is a betting underdog against Van at several sportsbooks.
Royval carries a wealth of experience, having signed with the UFC in 2020. Royval had four fights in the UFC by the time Van made his pro MMA debut.
Time and time again, Royval feels like he’s been disrespected by the odds.
“I think I’m the most disrespected fighter in the UFC,” Royval said at UFC 317 media day.
“I think it’s been shown over and over again.
“Anytime a money line comes out, I think I’ve been a favorite against Matt Schnell and never again in the UFC. My whole entire career I was always the underdog, nothing’s different.
“I feel like I continuously get disrespected by the fans and whoever the oddsmakers are.”
Brandon Royval is 0-2 against Alexandre Pantoja but has a submission win over his next challenger Kai Kara-France. First things first, however, Royval has to get through Joshua Van if he wants another crack at the title.