This is the live coverage of UFC 329, featuring Brandon Royval vs. Loneair Kavanagh, the flyweight main event Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Former title contender, Royval (17-9) is once again forced to defend his place in the contenders line against a hungry opponent. Royval’s last two fights have gone wrong, as he was knocked out by Manel Cape and lost a decision in a thriller against current champion Joshua Wang, so now it’s time for the veteran to turn things around.
Kavanagh (10-1) is coming off an impressive win over two-time flyweight champion Brandon Moreno. Called to face Moreno on short notice in the main event of UFC Mexico City this February, Kavanagh spoiled Moreno’s homecoming with a virtuoso five-round performance. Still only 27 years old, Kavanagh could be on the cusp of a title opportunity if he can beat Royval.
Below you can watch the live broadcast of Brandon Royval vs. Loneair Kavanagh at UFC 329.
Round 1: Jason Herzog is the third man in the cage and here we go! Royval lands a quick jab and they start exchanging punches so quickly. Royval lands a solid right hand to Kavanagh’s leg. Kavanagh tries a body kick but misses. Another good kick from Royal. Kavanagh changes stance and also throws a kick. Kavanagh throws a high kick, but Royval catches his leg and lands a couple of punches. Again he catches the blow and punishes him with a couple of blows. Kavanagh now lands a nice left jab to the body. Royval’s jab continues to land and keeps Kavanagh off it. Royval tries for a takedown and Kavanagh threatens a guillotine, but Royval is already in side control. Back in midfield and full guard, Royval lands punches on Kavanagh. Royval throws elbows to the face, but that gives Kavanagh the opportunity to get up and pin him against the fence. Kavanagh knocks Royval down and the round comes to an end. MMA Fighting wins the round 10-9, Royval.
Round 2: The round stars and Royval are already busy striking, again and again. Kavanagh throws a body kick but barely misses. Kavanagh with a 1-2 combo followed by a body kick. And another right hand to Royval’s face. And again! Royval is hurt and upset! Kavanagh follows with a flurry of punches and now he’s in big trouble! Elbows for Kavanagh! Royval recovers and is able to hold him down with an omoplata to stop him from eating more elbows and punches, but Kavanagh escapes and starts hurting him again. They get back to their feet and Royval lands a few more strikes before scoring a takedown. Kavanagh defends and makes him pay with a hard elbow to the head. Kavanagh attacks with low kicks before Royval locks up. Royval lands a punch and knocks Kavanagh down, then elbows him in the head for a second before they retreat. What a round! Kavanagh finished the round with a combination of punches and a flying knee. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Kavanagh (19-19).
Round 3: They embrace in the center of the octagon before doing so in the final stanza. And Royval is already hurting Kavana! And Kavanagh shoots back and wounds Royval! WOW! Royval goes for a takedown and Kavanagh goes for a guillotine, but not that deep and Royval escapes easily. Elbows for Royal at top control! Kavanagh fights out and Royval takes his back and hits an arm triangle choke! This is deep! Kavanagh fights as hard as he can and Royval mounts and loses pressure on the choke. Royval has his back turned again and tries to work the rear naked choke, but Kavanagh is doing well with the punches…until he doesn’t. IT’S DEEP AND HE’S GETTING CAUGHT! What a victory for Royal!
Official Result: Brandon Royval def. Loneer Kavanagh by submission in the third round (rear naked choke) (3:40)