Brandon Royval insists that the high altitude won’t be an issue as he prepares to face former foe, Brandon Moreno in Mexico.
Mexico City is infamous in the MMA community for its high altitude. Which at times, has been the downfall of even the greatest fighters. The high altitude in question has been known to cripple the cardio of a fighter, leaving them exhausted in the early rounds of a fight. However, ahead of his rematch against Brandon Moreno this Saturday, Brandon Royval has no concerns regarding the elevation and the challenges it can present.
Originally, former UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno was scheduled to face rising talent Amir Albazi as the main event for UFC Mexico City. When Albazi pulled out of the bout due to an injury, Brandon Royval was called and asked to step in. A mere three weeks after a decision loss against the reigning champion, Alexandre Pantoja. Royval accepted, seeing it as a chance to avenge a previous loss and put himself closer to another title shot.
Brandon Royval Has Experience With High Altitude
Speaking to Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, Royval revealed that he had arrived in Mexico City on Tuesday. Leaving him with only a few days to acclimate himself to the altitude. At times, fighters have often arrived early in order to get used to the staggering elevation of the city, which sits 4,900–11,500 feet above sea level. The lower air pressure means that the body finds it more difficult to pull in air and pump oxygen.
‘Raw Dawg’ quickly shot down any worries, claiming that this was no worry for him as a Colorado resident. Royval has not only been raised at a higher elevation, but also trained at one throughout the course of his career. Meaning his body is already somewhat naturally adjusted.
“I grew up in Denver. Live in Denver Colorado. I live at 6000ft and I’ve been training up in Evergreen which is almost 8000ft. So I feel like this elevation thing is really not a big difference to me.”
He then went on to double down on how little difference he felt. Royval told Helwani that when he got to the hotel he trained for an hour and a half straight. Forgetting completely about the elevation until one of his team pointed it out to him.
Attitude Towards a Brandon Moreno Rematch
Brandon Royval claims that even before getting the call on short notice, he had his eyes set on the Moreno rematch as early as December, in the run up to his championship bout against Pantoja. Their first fight took place at UFC 255 in November of 2020, where Moreno won by 1st round TKO after Royval dislocated his shoulder.
“Before I even fought Pantoja. I had a feeling Albazi was going to pull out. I heard some weird health things with him. But I wasn’t sure completely, so I told myself in my head. If I win the bout I would love to just do a quick turnaround and fight Moreno for the belt if Albazi pulls out.”
Currently holding the No.1 spot in the UFC’s flyweight rankings and a former 3x world champion, Moreno is a great opportunity for any fighter to throw themselves into the title picture. Although actually getting the job done is another thing entirely. For Royval, an upset win over Moreno would likely launch him straight into another title shot. Giving him the chance to avenge his unceremonious loss from back in 2020.
Brandon Royval Admits Struggling With Missing Out on the Gold
In addition to this short notice fight being a golden opportunity for the future of his career, Royval also used it as an excuse to refocus himself. Brandon Royval admits that he has struggled to take the Pantoja loss well.
“I was in my head for a while until they offered me this fight. It was a good way to kinda get me focused. Your dreams are in your hands. My dream was right in front of me. The fact I dropped the ball there was hard for me.”
Will Royval’s gas tank hold up? Will Moreno’s pressure and Mexico City elevation be key? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
