The recent UFC on ESPN 58 event at the UFC Apex saw the undefeated fighter, Tatsuro Taira, secure a significant win in his career by defeating Alex Perez with a second-round stoppage. Despite his victory, the fight took an unexpected turn when Perez suffered a leg injury during a takedown by Taira. Taira utilized a unique body triangle technique that resulted in Perez falling awkwardly and yelling in pain upon impact.
Taira, with a record of 16-0 in MMA and 6-0 in the UFC, demonstrated why he is a contender in the flyweight division. Hailing from Okinawa, Japan, the 24-year-old fighter showed his prowess in the octagon. Initially scheduled to face Joshua Van at UFC 302, Taira transitioned to a headline fight at the Apex against Perez, who was eager for a shot at the title. Despite being ranked lower than Perez, Taira displayed his skills and ability to compete at the highest level.
Perez, with a record of 25-9 in MMA and 7-5 in the UFC, entered the bout after a remarkable victory against Matheus Nicolau. However, Perez entered the fight as the underdog, and as the match progressed, it became evident why. While Perez started aggressively with combinations and leg kicks, Taira adapted and began to counter Perez’s moves effectively. Taira landed a precise right hand towards the end of the first round, showcasing his striking capabilities.
As the fight entered the second round, Taira gained momentum with his striking and leg kicks, causing damage to Perez. A brief pause occurred in the action due to an accidental eye poke by Taira, but he quickly seized the opportunity to take Perez down. Taira transitioned smoothly to Perez’s back and attempted a rear-naked choke, forcing Perez to defend and ultimately succumb to a body triangle. The fight concluded with Perez suffering a leg injury, leading to the referee stopping the match at the 2:59 mark.
Taira’s undefeated record and impressive performance against Perez are likely to propel him into the top five rankings in the flyweight division. With a potential title shot on the horizon, Taira has solidified his position as a rising star in the UFC. His unique fighting style and ability to adapt to opponents make him a formidable contender in the competitive world of mixed martial arts.