Royval v Taira betting picks & odds | UFC Fight Night main event

Brandon Royval takes on Tatsuro Taira in the UFC Fight Night main event in Las Vegas this Saturday night, with the winner tipped to earn a shot at the flyweight title. Royval is the top-ranked contender but must face a dangerous, unbeaten opponent on his path toward UFC gold. This is a compelling contest on paper and should feature some elite MMA action.

Royval v Taira main event preview

Brandon Royval vs Tatsuro Taira

Brandon Royval (16-7-0) has produced an impressive 4-1 run since 2022. The single loss was at the hands of flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja across five tough rounds, and the 32-year-old bounced back from the defeat with a decision win over former titleholder Brandon Moreno. Royval’s historical weakness has been with the judges, where he holds a poor record of three wins and five losses.

The American is tall for the flyweight division and will enjoy a height advantage here. He throws strikes with knockout power and boasts a slick ground game with nine professional wins coming via submission. Producing consistent output can be an issue, but Royval is otherwise a well-rounded MMA athlete who is full of confidence and ready to produce an upset.

Tatsuro Taira (16-0-0) brings a perfect record into this contest and is the warm favourite with leading UFC bookmakers. The 24-year-old is not quite the complete package but shows prodigious talent for his age. The Japanese fighter is most adept on the mat, with seven wins via submission, but has developed his striking prowess in recent times as he works toward the top of the divisional rankings.

Despite his undefeated status, this contest represents a big rise in class for Taira. It could be argued that he is being rushed toward a title shot, but a win here will cement his position as a worthy challenger. Taira is a huge star in Japan and would be the nation’s first UFC champion if he can secure the 125-pound belt.

Royval v Taira betting predictions

UFC betting markets can get a little skewed when pricing an unbeaten fighter, and that appears to be the case here. Taira is undoubtedly an exciting talent, but Royval has shared the cage with the division’s elite talent and his experience may prove invaluable. The betting outsider also bunts his opponent’s strengths; Taira is a purple belt in BJJ, while Royval is a black belt and will be unafraid to grapple if required.

At these prices with top UFC betting sites, Royval appears to represent great value. He will not be overawed or outclassed and will be keen to impose himself on his upstart rival. The obvious concern is his poor record with the judges, but otherwise, Royval looks like a strong winning chance at an attractive price.

Sports betting picks