Tatsuro Taira added the signature win he’s been looking to add to his résumé. It is a win that opens up his debate for the undisputed gold. Japan’s top prospect defeated Alex Perez in the UFC Vegas 93 main event this weekend. Now, he hopes the win propels him far enough in the conversation for the title gold — one that Alexandre Pantoja holds.
Every UFC fighter dreams of representing their country at the forefront of the combat sports industry. Dricus Du Plessis became the first South African to win gold this year. Alicante-Georgian native Ilia Topuria was the same right after. The surging flyweight contender hopes to become the first Japanese champion in UFC with a title shot against Alexandre Pantoja in 2024.
I want against Pantoja this year, but actually I really want to see who wins between Kape and Mokaev…I will be very happy if I can fight my title shot against Pantoja in Japan and become the first Japanese champion…
Tatsuro Taira to media scrum at UFC Vegas 93 post-fight conference interviews
Tatsuro Taira has many things going in his favor; he showcased some good clinch striking at UFC Vegas 93. For yet another, his grappling remains his best weapon. Perez’s right knee gave out due to the unusual body triangle hold from the back. For a thin frame, Taira (16-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) caused extensive damage; the anti-climactic finish saw the bill of a TKO due to injury favoring Taira
Alexandre Pantoja, the American Top Team (ATT) standout, is also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu savant. Consequently, Pantoja (28-5 MMA, 12-3 UFC) defended his title with a unanimous nod (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) over Steve Erceg at UFC 301. He has long touted being levels above his peers. An all-around clash with Taira could prove stylistic. It remains to be seen if the UFC will give the Japanese talent a title shot right away.
MMA Pros reacts to Tatsuro Taira’s back-take fight ending finish
Japan’s Tatsuro Taira kept his unbeaten record intact, but an injury to Alex Perez ended an exciting flyweight scrap. Concurrently, more to it, Taira proved he could be unusually uncomfortable dealing with standup warfare and grappling games. Given his performance, he has also wished for a title shot opportunity with Alexandre Pantoja.
Twitter reacts to Tatsuro Taira’s unique win at UFC on ESPN 58 (Source: X/agfight.com)The second-round injury TKO triumph over former flyweight title challenger Perez took the world ablaze. The official stoppage of the UFC Apex event was the 2:59 mark of Round 2. However, it was Taira’s move to jump the back into a tightrope that has interested peers and pundits. Consequently, here’s a few prominent reactions to it:
Taira has some clean ass striking.
— Mike Jackson, Esq. (@TheTruthJackson) June 16, 2024
10-9 Perez after a close R1
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) June 16, 2024
Alex Perez taps out due to injury in the 2nd round.
Taira had his back and used his leverage to drive him backwards, which caused the injury.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) June 16, 2024
That back take to body triangle takedown is highly technical by Taira -what a win for the undefeated fighter. Perez is being carried out #UFCVegas93
— Dominick Cruz (@DominickCruz) June 16, 2024
I feel for my boy Alex !
— C H🖕🏽T O🇪🇨V E R A (@chitoveraUFC) June 16, 2024
Still trying to process that technique from Taira. Hope we can get some clarification post-fight. Beautiful technique, and that lean back was unique, but was he setting something else up? Or was that the intent? #UFCVegas93
— John Morgan (@JohnMorgan_MMA) June 16, 2024
The new “3Eight” and “5Eight” UFC Official Fight Gloves haven’t been living up to the hype yet. There have been only five knockouts out of 32 scraps since its debut. Alongside, Taira got some accidental eye pokes in, which many accordingly thought would be a great dividend later. However, it was his execution of the clinch that came out beautifully.
Belal Muhammad, a prime victim of the “poke,” took notice of the fighter finishing it on his own mettle. Aljamain Sterling, who did not give in to the anti-climactic main event ending, also later lauded the technique. As did many others subsequently. All in all, the matter has gone quite viral.
