Brandon Royval’s name has become synonymous with the flyweight division in the UFC. Every time his name is mentioned, it echoes through the rankings like his signature scrambles inside the octagon. As he gears up for his highly anticipated match against Manel Kape at UFC Vegas 112, fans are once again revisiting his incredible journey. And while his skills inside the cage are well-known, many are left wondering about the man behind the fighter. Who is Brandon Royval when the gloves come off? Where did he come from? What is his ethnicity, nationality, and background? Let’s find out.
Born on August 26th, 1992, in Denver, Colorado, Brandon Royval was raised in the city’s northern suburbs. Growing up, he was always a competitive kid who loved playing sports. He excelled in wrestling and became a state champion in high school. However, it wasn’t until his college years that he discovered his passion for mixed martial arts.
Royval attended the University of Northern Colorado, where he studied sports and exercise science. It was during this time that he started training in MMA to stay in shape. But as fate would have it, he soon fell in love with the sport and decided to pursue it professionally.
In an interview, Royval mentioned that he was heavily inspired by the likes of Anderson Silva and Georges St-Pierre. He saw them as true martial artists, who not only had incredible skills inside the cage but also carried themselves with grace and humility outside of it.
After making his amateur debut in 2012, Royval went on to have a successful amateur career with a record of 5-1. He then turned professional in 2014 and quickly made a name for himself in the regional circuit. With his unorthodox style and relentless pace, he became a fan favorite and was soon signed by the UFC in 2020.
But it wasn’t an easy journey for Royval. He faced setbacks and injuries along the way, including a torn ACL that put him out of action for two years. However, he never lost sight of his goals and continued to work hard to make it to the big leagues.
When it comes to his ethnicity and nationality, Royval is of Mexican descent and holds dual citizenship in the US and Mexico. He takes great pride in his heritage and often incorporates elements of his culture into his walkouts and celebrations.
Royval’s background is a mix of tough upbringing and determination. He comes from a working-class family and has faced his fair share of struggles. But his parents instilled in him the value of hard work and never giving up. This has been the driving force behind his success in the sport.
Today, Royval is known for his unorthodox fighting style, which is a blend of his wrestling background and his love for flashy moves. He is also a submission specialist with 9 of his 12 wins coming by way of submission. But what truly sets him apart is his relentless pace and his ability to adapt to any situation in the cage.
As he prepares to face Manel Kape for the second time, Royval is determined to prove that he is one of the best in the flyweight division. He is currently ranked #8 and a win against Kape could potentially propel him higher in the rankings. But for Royval, it’s not just about the rankings or the fame, it’s about showcasing his skills and inspiring others to chase their dreams.
In conclusion, Brandon Royval is more than just a name in the flyweight rankings. He is a fighter who has overcome numerous obstacles to get where he is today. His journey is a testament to hard work, determination, and never giving up on your dreams. And as he continues to make a name for himself in the UFC, one thing is for sure – he will always be “Raw Dawg” at heart, representing his Mexican heritage and inspiring others to reach for the stars.
