For the most part, Brandon Roybal is someone who isn’t afraid to praise the flyweight division.
That includes Tatsuro Heira, who went all out on “Raw Dawg” on Saturday night, headlining UFC Apex’s UFC Vegas 98 in Las Vegas. Taira spent the majority of two rounds on Roybal’s back, but the Factory X product was able to do enough quality work on his feet to earn a split decision victory. Roybal had high hopes for Taira, but he didn’t necessarily expect that he would have to struggle against a strong Japanese opponent to get his hand up.
“I didn’t expect that at all. To be honest, I thought I was going to go through him,” Roybal said in Saturday’s postgame press conference. “I have a lot of respect for that kid. I give him a lot of praise. I 100% believe he’s going to be a champion one day. I said that before this fight happened. I’m going to fight. I said that before I knew it was going to happen. There was a post from about two years ago that was like, “I’m here for the future of the flyweight division.”
“That being said, I thought I was going to get past him. I didn’t think the fight was close. Two minutes into the first round, I was out by submission or knockout. I thought I was going to see it. I’m in the fifth round and I look at my corner and I’m like, I can’t believe this has gotten this far.”
Since losing to Alexandre Pantoja in a flyweight title fight at UFC 296 last December, Roybal has won consecutive wins over Brandon Moreno and Taira. Leuba believes he has accomplished enough to be the number one contender in the waiting category.
“I see a title shot next. I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Royval said. “I had wins over the entire top five in the division. I’m all about the rematch, but with that said, I earned my way to the title. I’m just a little bit careful against the No. 1 opponent. We just took the best prospect in the division. I think the title fight is next for me, and I’ll be backing him up in the title fight in December.”
The aforementioned title fight will see Pantoja defend her 125-pound belt against Octagon newcomer Kai Asakura in the co-main event of UFC 310 on Dec. 7 in Las Vegas. While some have doubts about Asakura aiming for a title shot in his professional debut, Roybal is well aware of the Rizin Fighting Federation veteran’s talent.
“I’ve been watching Kai Asakura. I think he’s sick,” Royval said. “I think there’s a lot of great things out there. He hasn’t made it to flyweight yet, so I’m going to go there and be ready in case he doesn’t make it. I’ll give that guy a rose. I think he’ll bring a lot of excitement to the division and I think he can beat Pantoja. Once Pantoja grapples with him, it’s over. That being said, the fight is on the feet. It’s starting.”
Roybal also confirmed that Amir Albazi will have a say in determining the flyweight title. Albaji will return to action against Moreno on November 2nd at UFC Edmonton after being out of action for more than a year. However, Roybal had less positive things to say about the Iraqi candidate.
“I think he’s a big ‘what if’ player,” Royval said. “But that being said, I’ve never been all that impressed with his performance. I don’t really expect anything different.”
