This past November, Brandon Royval (9-4) lost his opportunity to advance to the UFC by suffering a decision loss to Casey Kenney, but on Friday, he extracted some revenge against octagon veteran Joby Sanchez (12-5).
The flyweight bout served as the main event of LFA 65, which aired live on AXS TV from Dobson Arena in Vail, Colo.
Royval took the center to start the fight, but Sanchez stood firm in his face and returned fire. As the two exchanged strikes, neither man took firm control of the fight, but Sanchez did suffer a cut on his left temple. Undaunted, Sanchez took control when Royval tried to shoot, stuffing the effort and controlling the neck while trying to set up a choke. However, Royval stayed calm through the effort and was able to work himself free. Once there, he made good on the opportunity.
In a slick sequence, Royval was able to work first to guard, then to an armbar, extending his opponent’s limb and getting the tap at the 3:17 mark of the first frame.
Royval now stands at 4-1 in his past five outings, while Sanchez stands at 1-3 in his most recent appearances.
Joanderson Brito scores quick but crazy KO
Fighting for the first time under the LFA banner, Brazilian featherweight Joanderson Brito (11-2-1) scored a devastating, albeit controversial, stoppage over Jose Mariscal (9-4) in the night’s co-main event.
The contest started in wild fashion, as Brito landed a leaping kick to the groin before scoring a right hand over the top that seemed to wobble Mariscal. Fortunately, the referee saw the infraction and called for a break. However, Mariscal rushed back to live action, and it proved a mistake. Brito continued a punching barrage, clipping Mariscal with a hook over the top that sent him crashing to the floor. Brito pounced with additional punches, and the contest was waved off in just 44 seconds.
LFA 65 results include:
- Brandon Royval def. Joby Sanchez via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 3:17
- Joanderson Brito def. Jose Mariscal via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 0:44
- Matt Jones def. Youssef Zalal via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- Pauline Macias def. Sarah Shell via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
- Adam Stroup def. Hayward Charles via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Adam Martinez def. Cory Galloway via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 3, 2:35
For more on LFA 65, check out the MMA Events section of the site.
