Denver-Born Fighter Brandon Royval: A Firsthand Account of His UFC Flyweight Journey
There’s a special kind of electricity in the air when you meet someone chasing greatness. That’s exactly the energy I felt when I sat down in Denver with Brandon Royval—a fighter who doesn’t just step into the octagon but pours his entire soul into it. Watching him train, talking to him about his aspirations, and just observing his unyielding drive, I couldn’t help but feel that I was witnessing the making of a future UFC Flyweight Champion.
What stood out most wasn’t just his incredible talent or the accolades he’s earned so far. It was his connection to Denver, his commitment to staying true to his roots, and the raw honesty in his words as he talked about his UFC dreams. From the streets of Lakewood to the roaring arenas of the UFC, Brandon Royval’s story is one of grit, passion, and never backing down—qualities that feel uniquely Denver yet universally inspiring.
The Roots of a Fighter
Brandon was born and raised in Lakewood, a suburb nestled just outside Denver. During our conversation, he jokingly referred to himself as “just a scrappy kid from Denver who wanted a shot at something bigger.” But make no mistake—there’s nothing ordinary about him. Lakewood may have been the backdrop for his childhood, but it was the city of Denver that shaped his fighting spirit.
“I grew up here, trained here, lived here. This place is in my blood,” he told me, glancing briefly at the Denver skyline in the distance as we talked outside his gym. Brandon’s memories of Denver are woven with the relentless hustle of someone who had always wanted more.
For Brandon, combat sports weren’t just an escape—they were a calling. “I loved the adrenaline. Wrestling in high school gave me my first taste of competition, and I was hooked,” he said with a grin that seemed equal parts nostalgia and pride. Wrestling quickly turned into a passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and soon enough, MMA became the natural progression.
When I asked him why he stuck to fighting instead of choosing a less punishing career path, his response was telling. “I love chaos,” he said, half-laughing, half-serious. Watching him train later that day, it became clear how deeply that statement resonated. Brandon thrives in the chaos, both in life and in the octagon. He embraces it, controls it, and bends it to his will.
The Rise to the UFC
Brandon’s climb through the MMA ranks wasn’t handed to him—it was earned with blood, sweat, and perseverance. Fighting in local promotions across Colorado and neighboring states, he built a reputation as a fearless competitor. His nickname, “Raw Dawg,” wasn’t just for show. It came from his aggressive, unrelenting style in the cage.
“The nickname came from my coach, and it just stuck,” he explained. “But honestly, that’s what I do—I keep it raw and real every single time I fight.”
Even before he made his UFC debut, there was already buzz surrounding Brandon. Coaches, fans, and even seasoned fighters pointed to his creativity in the cage—a rare mix of fluid striking and world-class submission skills. Many described him as a fighter who would either knock your lights out or have you tapping out in a blink.
But the road wasn’t always smooth. Brandon opened up about the struggles he faced along the way—the financial difficulties, the countless hours of training, and the pressure of trying to stand out in such a competitive sport. “You sacrifice a lot,” he said. “There were days when I didn’t know if I could even afford to keep doing this. But every time I went to bed, I knew there was nothing else I wanted more.”
That unrelenting drive finally paid off when the UFC came calling. Royval made his debut in May 2020 against Tim Elliott, and it was nothing short of spectacular. Watching that fight is something I won’t forget anytime soon—a whirlwind of action, creativity, and heart. His submission victory not only announced his arrival in the UFC but also proved that he belonged with the best in the world.
“That moment was validation,” he told me. “But for me, it wasn’t the finish line—it was just the beginning.”
The Latest Chapter: Royval’s Current UFC Run
Let’s fast forward to the present day, where Brandon’s story has seen even more thrilling chapters added. In 2023 and early 2024, Royval entered the octagon with a new sense of urgency and focus. From the moment he walked out to the roar of the crowd—his signature Denver grit on full display—one could tell he was a fighter transformed, leveling up with every contest.
His battle against Alexandre Pantoja was a standout moment, one that had the MMA community on edge. Though Royval came up short in a razor-close decision, what struck me as I watched cage-side was his refusal to break, his constant pressure, and his uncanny ability to recover in the most daunting positions. The loss didn’t set him back; it seemed to ignite him further.
He wasted little time bouncing back, securing a highlight-reel finish against Matheus Nicolau in a rematch that showcased just how much he had grown as a striker. Royval’s unorthodox attacks, combined with slick submission threats, kept everyone guessing—including Nicolau. As the referee pulled him off and his hand was raised, Brandon shot a look out toward the Denver contingent in the crowd—a silent promise that his mission was far from over.
2024 has brought even more intensity. Royval has trained relentlessly, making adjustments that only seasoned fighters can truly appreciate. This isn’t hype—it’s the result of daily discipline. From grueling wrestling circuits to hours spent analyzing tape with his coaches, Brandon is constantly refining his game. When I caught up with him this spring, his focus was palpable.
“This year is about no regrets,” he said, sweat dripping as we both sat on the edge of the Factory X mat. “I’m not leaving any stone unturned. Every fight feels more important because I know what’s at stake.
Training Days in Denver: A 2024 Perspective
If you’re wondering how fighters cope with the pressure in such a competitive division, go spend a morning at Factory X. The gym hums with the sound of gloves on pads, coaches barking instructions, and that raw, nervous energy before a big event. Even on so-called light days, Brandon pushes his limits. He’s meticulous now—obsessed with nutrition, recovery, and keeping his mind sharp.
In January 2024, I watched him help prepare a group of Denver up-and-comers for their first amateur bouts. It was classic Royval—generous with his advice, never too busy to watch a round or correct a stance. But there was also a new seriousness in the air, as if the whole city was rallying behind him for that final push toward UFC gold.
One of his teammates shared, “Brandon’s the glue for all of us. He sets the tempo. If you see him grinding, you grind harder. That’s just how it is.”
Royval has also doubled down on sports psychology, meditating daily and working with a mental performance coach. “I finally understood you can’t just train your body. Your mind has to be just as disciplined,” he confided. That shift has been visible in his recent fights—his composure, his decision-making under pressure, his refusal to be rattled no matter how intense the moment gets.
Recent Fights: Closer Than Ever to Gold
After his fight with Nicolau, the UFC wasted no time slotting Royval for another high-stakes bout, this time against a top-five contender, Manel Kape. It was a wild, back-and-forth war that showed the full arsenal of Royval’s skills. He blended his pinpoint elbows, spinning attacks, and complex jiu-jitsu chains to edge out a razor-thin win by split decision. Reporters and fans alike buzzed about his title prospects as he left the cage that night.
What strikes me as someone who’s watched his journey up close: Royval truly builds on every experience. He’s not the same fighter he was last year—not even the same one he was last month. Each challenge, each setback, seems to give him a sharper edge and deeper hunger.
There’s talk that Royval could be just one fight away from another crack at the UFC Flyweight crown. The whispers inside Factory X, in press row, and across MMA media feel different now. There’s a sense that it’s finally his time.
Royval’s Connection with Denver: Still Strong, Still Growing
Even as his star has risen, Royval’s heart remains in the Mile High City. During the most recent UFC Denver fan event, I watched as he took time with every selfie request, shook hands with young fans, and gave candid interviews to local press. “Denver made me,” he told one crowd of teens. “If I can make it, so can you. That’s the real victory.”
He’s become an ambassador for the sport—visiting schools, running youth seminars, and even working with local charities to help underprivileged kids find positive outlets through MMA. Royval’s ability to stay accessible and humble, despite his growing fame, is part of what sets him apart.
His visibility in the city has made him a symbol of hope and dedication. One trainer at Factory X remarked, “He’s kind of Denver’s golden boy now. He never forgets where he comes from.”
Looking Ahead: Title Aspirations and Future Plans
All signs point toward Royval making another run at the UFC Flyweight belt by late 2024 or early 2025. He’s openly embraced the role of underdog and continues to evolve with every training camp. Whenever we talk, he brings up the importance of legacy, not just for himself, but for his city.
“I want that belt,” he said, his voice hard with certainty. “But more than anything, I want to show everyone that resilience pays off. That you can get knocked down, lose, come back, and reinvent yourself. I think Denver deserves a champion, and I want to be the guy to give it to them.”
Between recent performances, improved training routines, and community involvement, it feels like every aspect of his life is converging for this moment. The local fight scene buzzes with anticipation. You see Royval shirts at parks, gyms, and coffee shops all over Denver. At UFC watch parties, fans cheer so hard for him you’d think he was already holding the gold.
Final Thoughts
Walking out of Factory X that day, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d just witnessed something truly special. Brandon Royval isn’t just another fighter climbing the UFC ranks. He’s a symbol of perseverance and a testament to what’s possible when you refuse to give up—no matter where you come from or how many odds are stacked against you.
With every fight, every public appearance, and every new goal, he continues to inspire. Brandon’s journey is more than just a sports story—it’s a Denver story, a testament to the American spirit, and proof that the dream is always alive if you’re willing to keep chasing it.
Denver should be proud to call Brandon Royval one of its own. He’s not only chasing a UFC Flyweight title but also inspiring a city, a sport, and anyone who dares to dream boldly. And something tells me that this is just the beginning for “Raw Dawg.” Keep watching—because from my front-row seat, I can tell you this fighter’s story is still being written, one electrifying round at a time.
