#263 Brandon Royval - UFC Lightweight
Watch the episode here
Listen to the podcast here
Brandon Royval - UFC Flyweight, Brazilian jujitsu Back Belt, Youth Mentorship. Royval is a professional mixed martial artist known for his exciting style in the UFC's flyweight division. Royval is one of the UFC’s top-ranked flyweights, currently sitting at No. 3 in the world. A Denver, Colorado native and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Royval has built a reputation as one of the most exciting and relentless fighters in mixed martial arts. Since making his UFC debut in 2020, he has earned the respect of fans and fellow athletes with his aggressive pace, dynamic submission game, and willingness to finish every fight. Outside the Octagon, Royval is passionate about giving back through youth mentorship and representing his Colorado roots. In this episode of The Mountain Side Podcast, Brandon joins Bobby Marshall in the studio for an honest conversation about the journey to competing at the highest level of the UFC. They dive into elite training, strength and conditioning, sportsmanship, family, life in Colorado, the outdoors, and the mindset required to compete among the best fighters in the world. Don’t forget to subscribe and follow The Mountain Side Podcast on your favorite social media platforms for the latest episodes, guests, and updates.
-
The latest episode of The Mountain Side Podcast takes listeners on a thrilling journey with the electrifying UFC flyweight, Brandon Royval. Fresh off an outstanding victory at UFC 329, Royval joins the studio for a conversation that is both exciting and introspective. With accolades like 'Fight of the Night' under his belt, Royval is well-positioned as a contentious contender for the UFC gold. Yet, his grounded personality shines through as he discusses life in and out of the octagon with host, The Mountain Side.
Brandon Royval: A Glimpse into Life Beyond the Octagon Brandon Royval is not just a dynamic figure in the ring; he's also a relatable, down-to-earth individual who appreciates a good conversation over a Corona. The camaraderie between Royval and The Mountain Side sets the tone for the episode, blending humor with serious topics like recovering from injuries and the intricacies of managing a career in the UFC. Royval discusses the battle scars from his recent victory, including a broken ankle that required surgery. Despite the physical toll, he remains optimistic about his quick recovery and eager return to the octagon. Beyond physical fitness, Royval's humility and resilience are evident as he recounts his experiences, providing listeners a full-circle view of what it takes to perform at the highest levels.
A Striking Discussion on the World of UFC and Combat Sports In this episode, listeners are treated to an in-depth exploration of the current state of UFC and combat sports. Royval shares his thoughts on the saturated market of combat sports, expressing concerns about fan engagement with the increasing number of events and the need for more strategic promotion than what the UFC is currently offering. He reflects nostalgically on the days when fans waited eagerly months in advance for a bout, highlighting the need for more promotional depth akin to the epic buildup surrounding fights like Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather.
Insights and Challenges in the Fight World Royval shared a slice of his philosophy, noting that people's opinions can be fleeting and that his true focus remains on what he can achieve rather than how he is perceived. He points out the importance of a strong mindset, especially with the critical perspectives that fighters often face from both fans and the sporting community. He candidly discusses his negotiations with the UFC, explaining his strategy to ensure he earns what he believes his fights are worth, despite the logistical challenges, such as potentially fighting internationally and facing double taxation.
Community Impact and Supporting the Next Generation Beyond the UFC spotlight, Brandon is ardently involved in community outreach initiatives in Denver, particularly focusing on supporting underprivileged youth. He takes immense pride in contributing to events like the back-to-school supply drives at Shifter's Bar and Grill, where children receive free haircuts and supplies, prepping them not just for school but for a confident life ahead. His commitment to guiding the next generation is driven by his experiences – seeing firsthand the transformative power of having someone believe in and support kids who may not have had those opportunities otherwise.
The podcast concludes on a reflective note, with Brandon Royval envisioning a future where the UFC holds an event in his hometown of Denver – a dream he wishes to share with family, friends, and young fans alike. As a fighter and community leader, Royval continues to inspire, embodying both the toughness needed inside the ring and the empathy required to make a meaningful difference outside of it. Listeners are encouraged to tune into The Mountain Side Podcast to hear firsthand Royval's stories and thoughts, and witness the vibrant dynamism he brings to every conversation. With his characteristic humility and tenacity, Brandon Royval remains a compelling figure to watch in the UFC arena and an inspiring advocate for positive change.