Flyweights Askar Askarov, Brandon Royval to clash at UFC Fight Night on Oct. 15

A matchup between ranked flyweights is on tap for the UFC’s Oct. 15 event, as Askar Askarov will lock horns with Brandon Royval.

Royval’s management, Iridium Sports Agency, initially brought word of the 125-pound pairing. UFC Fight Night does not yet have an official location or headliner. The agency also announced that a flyweight tilt between Tatsuro Taira and C.J. Vergara has been added to the bill.

Askarov last appeared in a No. 1 contender bout at UFC on ESPN 33, where he fell to Kai Kara France via unanimous decision on March 26. Prior to that, the Dagestani known as “Bullet” was unbeaten in 15 professional appearances, earning notable wins against the likes of Joseph Benavidez, Alexandre Pantoja and Tim Elliott in UFC competition.

Royval, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the division’s most exciting talents while compiling a 4-2 mark within the Las Vegas-based promotion. His 2022 campaign thus far has included a split-decision win over Rogerio Bontorin at UFC on ESPN 32 and a first-round tapout of Matt Schnell at UFC 274.