Challenge issued after Brandon Royval throws shade on Muhammad Mokaev's UFC Fight Night 238 win

Brandon Royval and Muhammad Mokaev exchanged words as they both campaign for a title fight.

Royval (16-7 MMA, 6-3 UFC) edged out former champion Brandon Moreno in the UFC Fight Night 237 main event in Mexico City. Prior to that, Royval fell short to flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja for a second time in their title fight this past December at UFC 296.

A week after Royval beat Moreno, Mokaev (11-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) defeated former title challenger Alex Perez Saturday at UFC Fight Night 238. Royval took aim at Mokaev’s performance with a simple remark on X.

This is y’all’s boy

— Brandon (@brandonroyval) March 2, 2024

“This is y’all’s boy .”

Mokaev, 23, wasn’t impressed with Royval’s win over Moreno either, suggesting they fight in a No. 1 contender bout.

You got choked out by Pantoja then 45-50 in second fight

UFC coming to Manchester in July , come fight me, I’m undefeated , you’re 16-8 in you career , taking same route as artem lobov https://t.co/lVLT9agNa9

— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) March 3, 2024

“You got choked out by Pantoja then 45-50 in second fight UFC coming to Manchester in July, come fight me, I’m undefeated , you’re 16-8 in you career, taking same route as Artem Lobov.”

With Pantoja (27-5 MMA, 11-3 UFC) looking to defend his title at UFC 301 May 4 in Brazil, both fighters said they’ll be ready to go by then. Royval initially had a scare about his knee but confirmed he’ll be able to fight in May.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 238.