Brandon Royval says he ‘most likely’ tore MCL in first minute of UFC Mexico headliner vs. Brandon Moreno

February 27, 2024 2:40 pm ET

According to Brandon Royval, he fought the majority of the UFC Fight Night 237 main event compromised with a serious knee injury.

Royval (16-7 MMA, 8-3 UFC) avenged his loss to former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno (21-8-2 MMA, 9-5-2 UFC) by split decision after five competitive rounds Saturday at Mexico City Arena.

Royval needed to be carried out of his post-fight news conference and revealed in an Instagram post that he “most likely” tore his MCL in the first minute of the fight.

“From public enemy number 1 to number 1 contender

Came off the couch for a short notice fight against a former champion in his hometown. Most likely tore my MCL in the first minute of the fight. Hate it or love it though the underdogs on top.”

Royval discussed the injury right after his fight.

“I don’t know what happened,” Royval said during the UFC Fight Night 237 post-fight show. “I missed the kick right away and my knee like, it like popped. It did something weird, and I couldn’t put weight on it. Right off the bat, I’m like, ‘I don’t know what it is about this kid, but like, I break. I’m breaking.’ I’m happy I could push through. I’m happy I could fight another 25 minutes, or 24 minutes after that. I’m just happy to be here. I’m lucky, I’m blessed, what an adventure, what a life.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 237.

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