Anything but Fighting: Brandon Royval loves Metallica, Gangster Rap, Kung Fu Movies, more – MMA Fighting

Brandon Royval, the Philadelphia‑born striker who has quickly become a fan favorite in the UFC’s featherweight division, recently stepped away from the octagon to share a slice of his personal life. In an interview with MMA Fighting, Royval opened up about his eclectic taste in music and film, revealing that he’s a huge Metallica fan, enjoys gangster rap, and loves watching kung‑fu movies. “Those things keep me grounded,” he said, adding that the energy of heavy metal and the precision of martial arts films help him stay focused during training. While his fight schedule remains packed, fans can now appreciate the man behind the gloves, who balances his intense career with a passion for music and cinema.