Brandon Royval revealed an unconventional scouting method ahead of UFC 329, disclosing that he signed up to opponent Lone'er Kavanagh's email list to gain insight into him. The move underscores Royval's detailed approach to fight preparation.
Brandon Royval took an unusual approach to studying his UFC 329 opponent, revealing after the event that he subscribed to Lone'er Kavanagh's personal email list as part of his preparation for their flyweight matchup on July 11.
Royval, 33, enters the bout ranked third in the UFC flyweight division with a professional record of 18-9. The Colorado-based southpaw trains out of Factory X and brings considerable offensive output to the cage, landing 5.6 significant strikes per minute while also averaging 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes — a combination that makes him a threat on both feet and on the mat.
Kavanagh, 27, represents England and trains with Great Britain Top Team. The orthodox striker carries a 10-2 record into the matchup and has demonstrated sharp hands, connecting on 50 percent of his significant strike attempts and averaging 4.13 significant strikes per minute. He also shows a willingness to mix in takedowns, averaging 1.12 per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Royval's email-list tactic speaks to the granular, detail-oriented preparation that separates elite fighters at this level of the sport.
- At five-foot-nine with a 68-inch reach, Royval holds a physical edge over the five-foot-six Kavanagh, a factor that could shape distance management throughout the fight.
- Kavanagh's 50 percent striking accuracy is notably higher than Royval's 42 percent, setting up an intriguing contrast in output versus efficiency between two fighters with overlapping grappling games.
- The result carries real divisional weight, with a third-ranked contender facing a rising prospect with an unblemished top-level record.
Saturday, July 11, 2026
