Former undisputed flyweight contender, Brandon Royval has likely retained his status as number one contender in the official 125lbs rankings tonight — handing Japanese sensation, Tatsuro Taira a close split decision loss in their headliner.
Royval, who entered tonight’s pairing with the unbeaten Taira as the current number one ranked contender, returned to action tonight following a prior split decision win over former champion, Brandon Moreno in the main event of UFC Fight Night Mexico City earlier this year.
And firing back-and-forth with surging Japanese prospect, Taira in their headliner tonight at the Apex facility, Brandon Royval suffered a loss in the opening round according to one judge — with the two other judges handing the Colorado contender the opening frame, en route to his split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47) victory.