At UFC 317, the flyweight division draws attention with two key matchups on the main card, including a highly anticipated fight between Brandon Royval and Joshua Van. Royval, who has contested for the title before, enters this bout riding a strong streak, having won five of his last six matches. His only defeat during that span came against the reigning champion Alexandra Pantoja. The 32-year-old veteran looks to build on his 7-3 UFC record against rising star Joshua Van, who has impressed since his UFC debut last year.
Joshua Van, nicknamed ‘The Fearless,’ began his UFC journey in 2023 with a split decision win over Zhulgas Zhumagaulov and has since claimed victory in six of his next seven fights. At just 23 years old, Van is emerging as a significant contender in the division, reflected in his status as a slight favorite on ufc.com with odds at -118 compared to Royval’s -102. Fans followed this action-packed confrontation closely through Sportskeeda’s live play-by-play updates, as it was the third fight on the evening’s main card.
Detailed Action from the Early Rounds
The opening round saw Brandon Royval taking the initiative with sharp jabs and kicks aimed at controlling range. Joshua Van remained patient, waiting for his chance before connecting with a clean one-two punch combination, quickly followed by a powerful right-hand strike. Royval responded by delivering a strong body kick, but Van countered with a series of punches, continuing his strategy of counterattacks. Despite a fierce flurry from Royval, including a precise knee strike, Van responded decisively with two right-hand blows that halted his opponent momentarily. The round concluded with a crisp left hook from Van just before the bell.
Round two escalated in intensity, with both fighters throwing extended combinations targeting head and body shots. Royval aimed to utilize knees from close range within the clinch, while Van kept applying pressure with sharp punching sequences. Royval landed a heavy combination, only to be immediately countered by Van’s right hand. The veteran continued marching forward, firing jabs and straight lefts, undeterred by Van’s quick counters. Both men engaged in a fierce exchange throughout the round, with Van landing a particularly strong right-hand punch; however, Royval showed resilience, absorbing the strikes without visible damage. The round ended amid a chaotic exchange in the final moments, leaving the contest tightly poised.
Anticipation Builds for Final Round Decisions
As UFC 317 progresses, the showdown between Joshua Van and Brandon Royval captures the flyweight division’s competitive spirit. Van’s poised counter-striking and Royval’s relentless pressure create a compelling contrast, highlighting the skill and determination of both fighters. This fight not only exemplifies their personal careers but also impacts the wider flyweight rankings, with Van aiming to cement his status among the elite contenders.
With the stakes high and both athletes showcasing their abilities, the upcoming rounds promise to be decisive for their future trajectories in the UFC. Fans and analysts alike anticipate that this bout will be a defining moment, potentially shaping title contention prospects as the division continues to evolve.