The fighter who considers himself ‘the most disrespected fighter in the UFC’ might just get another championship opportunity, thanks to Dana White.
It`s International Fight Week in Las Vegas, and UFC 317 features two title bouts. The main event sees Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira competing for a vacant title. The co-main event is for the flyweight championship, with Alexandre Pantoja defending his belt for the fourth time against Kai Kara-France.
However, the stakes in the flyweight division aren`t limited to just the co-headliner on this card.
Dana White Announces Royval vs. Van Winner Gets Title Shot
The UFC 317 main card includes a flyweight contest between the number one contender, Brandon Royval, and the number twelve ranked prospect, Joshua Van. Van, a hot prospect who is slightly older than Jon Jones was when he first won a UFC title, stepped in on short notice for Manel Kape due to injury. Van is known for his activity, with this being his sixth fight in less than a year.
Royval holds a 7-3 record in the UFC. His only defeats have come against Brandon Moreno and the current champion, Alexandre Pantoja (twice). The former title challenger is aiming for another shot at the belt following consecutive wins over Moreno and undefeated prospect Tatsuro Taira.
During the UFC 317 press conference on Thursday, UFC President Dana White was directly asked if the winner of the Royval vs. Van fight would be the next in line for the flyweight title.
Referencing a previous statement, White responded, “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.”
Royval reacted emphatically, “That’s what the f*** we’re talking about.”
He added, “Let’s bring that s***, Josh, and we’re gonna get some bonuses on top of that s***.”
The 23-year-old Van replied with equal enthusiasm, “Let’s do this s***, man.”
Brandon Royval Feels Like UFC`s Most Disrespected Fighter
Brandon Royval finds himself as a betting underdog against Joshua Van at several sportsbooks leading up to the fight.
Despite having significantly more UFC experience, having joined in 2020 and accumulating four fights by the time Van made his professional MMA debut, Royval feels consistently underestimated by the oddsmakers and the public.
“I think I’m the most disrespected fighter in the UFC,” Royval stated at the UFC 317 media day.
He elaborated, “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.”
While Brandon Royval has a 0-2 record against the reigning champion Alexandre Pantoja, he does hold a submission victory over Pantoja`s upcoming opponent, Kai Kara-France. However, his immediate focus must be on overcoming Joshua Van at UFC 317 to capitalize on the promised title opportunity.
Benedict Kingsley 
Rupert Hartwell