Tatsuro Taira Returns Strong After His First UFC Defeat
The promising UFC flyweight fighter, Tatsuro Taira, responded decisively to the first loss of his career on Saturday, dominating HyunSung Park at the UFC Fight Night event.
Taira (17-1) submitted Park (10-1) with a “face crank” in the first minute of the second round in Las Vegas.
This was Taira’s first appearance after suffering the first defeat of his career in October, a split decision against Brandon Royval. The 25-year-old Japanese phenomenon showed his best level, achieving his fifth finish since 2022, the most in his division.
The 125-pound fight was put together on short notice. Originally, Taira was scheduled to face Amir Albazi at the UFC Apex, but Albazi (17-2) withdrew the previous week for undisclosed medical reasons. The UFC turned to Park, who was scheduled to fight Steve Erceg the following week in Las Vegas.
The new fight turned out to be a complete imbalance. Taira knocked Park down with a right hand in the first minute and quickly took his back on the ground. Park showed good composure in recovering from the blow and avoiding Taira’s submission attempts, but could not find a way to break free and get back on his feet.
Taira wasted no time in attacking Park’s hips in the second round and again took him down to the ground in the first minute. This time, Park couldn’t defend against Taira’s grappling superiority and quickly submitted to the hold.
Taira has finished eight of his 17 victories by submission and another five by knockout.
The victory improves Taira’s UFC record to 7-1. Before Saturday, he was number 6 in the UFC flyweight rankings. Had he fought Albazi, he would have had the opportunity to face the number 4 contender in the division.
Park, who signed with the company in 2023, was not ranked before the weekend.
