Top 10-ranked Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Flyweight contenders, Kai Kara-France (No. 7) and Brandon Royval (No. 9) looked to inch one step closer to a future fight against division champion, Deiveson Figueiredo, with a win tonight (Sat., Sept. 26, 2020) with a big win at UFC 253, which took place inside Flash Forum on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
In the end, “Raw Dog,” who improves to 2-0 in UFC — weathered an early storm to submit France — who had won four of his last five bouts inside the Octagon — in the second round after an absolute bonkers brawl.
Both fighters touched gloves to start, with Royval unleashing a barrage of kicks to get the action started. France connected with a huge shot that floored Royval immediately, but he got off one knee and connected with a spinning back elbow. At the same time, France connected with a right hand, resulting in both fighters hitting the canvas. Royval was able to angle for an omoplata, but France eventually worked his way out of trouble, but Royval was all over his back. France spun out and eventually got back to his feet — it was a crazy opening three minutes. Royval landed another spinning shot, then moments later connected with a knee that dropped France to his knees along the fence. Royval spun to his back and attempted a guillotine choke, but France was able to pop out his head and once again return to his feet. France connected with a hard right cross, but Royval was more than game, charging forward and returning reckless fire. What an insane round, but it appeared that Royval got the better of France ... barely.
Royval came out of his corner for the second round on fire once again, kicking and kneeing France into the fence. France picked him up, attempting a takedown, but Royval wrapped up his neck with a guillotine while France was still standing. France dumped him to the canvas, trying to free the stranglehold, but Royval wasn’t letting go, forcing France to tap in the center of the cage.
What an incredible performance for Royval, who recovered from an early knockdown, then just went after France relentlessly until he was able to secure the submission.
Impressive.
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