Tatsuro Taira delivered a resounding message to the flyweight division Saturday night. Finishing Park Hyun-Sung in the second round at UFC on ESPN 71 inside the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Facing an undefeated opponent and coming off his first career loss, Taira showcased elite composure and technique. He dropped Park with a sharp counter right hand in the opening round and kept the pressure on throughout. After multiple scrambles and back takes, Taira sealed the win with a textbook rear naked choke midway through the second round.
In the post fight press conference, the No. 6-ranked contender didn’t mince words about where he sees himself among the division’s best.
“I can say 100 percent, my skill is higher than the champion’s,” Tiara (17-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) told reporters at the UFC on ESPN 71 post-fight press conference.
“The submission defense, I know part was really aware that I would be bringing these kinds of submissions, and he was very cautious, and he was prepared, as well,” Taira said. “He was very strong, true. But I’m very confident in my submission skills and overall skills, as well. I never rushed. I was confident in taking time and waiting for that moment.”
Pump the breaks!
Despite his dominant showing, Tatsuro Taira may have to wait just a bit longer for his shot at UFC gold. While the 24 year old phenom made a compelling case for title contention with his finish over Park Hyun-Sung. Without a doubt the flyweight division remains logjammed at the top. With contenders like Brandon Royval, Alexandre Pantoja, and Muhammad Mokaev still active in the mix. Certainly Taira could be asked to face one more top five opponent before earning his long awaited championship opportunity. But after Saturday’s performance, it’s clear that Taira’s time is coming sooner rather than later.
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
