LAS VEGAS -- Brandon Royval showcased his prowess in the flyweight division at UFC 329, submitting Lone'er Kavanagh in a fight that had fans on the edge of their seats. For the third straight year, Royval delivered a Fight of the Year contender, proving his value to the division.

In a bout filled with intensity, Kavanagh landed multiple powerful strikes, demonstrating his striking discipline. However, he struggled to keep pace with Royval's relentless energy and diverse skill set. The fight appeared evenly matched as they entered the third round:

• Round 1: Royval's volume likely earned him the edge.
• Round 2: Kavanagh's knockdown evened the score heading into the final round.

As the third round unfolded, Kavanagh initially seemed to have the momentum, but Royval's tactical acumen shone through. He executed a successful takedown and aimed for an arm triangle choke. When that failed, he transitioned to a rear-naked choke, forcing Kavanagh to tap out before losing consciousness.

In his post-fight interview, Royval emphasized the caliber of their match, stating, "Me and this boy deserve a f---ing bonus. We go out and fight every time," and he praised Kavanagh as a potential future champion.