Tatsuro Taira Record: 18-2-0

UFC rise

Taira's UFC run was a sustained, methodical climb. He debuted in May 2022 with a decision over Carlos Candelario, then submitted CJ Vergara with an armbar later that year. He kept rolling through 2023, tapping Jesus Aguilar with a triangle armbar, out-pointing Edgar Cháirez at UFC 290, and stopping Carlos Hernandez. A statement arrived in June 2024 when he beat former title challenger Alex Perez in a UFC main event. His unbeaten run finally ended in October 2024, when he dropped a five-round split decision to Brandon Royval in his toughest test to date.

Title contention

Taira responded to that first loss like a contender. In August 2025 he submitted previously unbeaten Hyun Sung Park, then delivered his biggest win to date in December 2025 by stopping former champion Brandon Moreno with a second-round TKO at UFC 323. That run earned him a flyweight title shot at UFC 328 in May 2026, where he challenged Joshua Van for the championship and came up short, stopped by strikes in the fifth round. The loss was a setback, but at his age it confirmed his standing among the division's very best.

Fighting style

Taira is a complete, patient mixed martial artist who blends a high-level submission game with steadily improving striking. His record reflects that balance: eight of his wins have come by submission and six by knockout or TKO, with four decisions rounding out an aggressive, finish-hunting style. He chains takedowns into tight submissions – triangles, armbars and rear-naked chokes all appear across his ledger – while showing the patience to grind out rounds when the finish isn't there. His losses have come against the elite, both via strikes, suggesting that high-level pressure punchers remain the stiffest stylistic challenge for a fighter whose grappling is otherwise world-class.

Career highlights

• UFC flyweight title challenger — earned a championship shot at UFC 328 against Joshua Van after a dominant run up the rankings.
• Statement win over a former champion — stopped ex-titleholder Brandon Moreno by second-round TKO at UFC 323 to seal his title shot.
• Long unbeaten ascent — entered the UFC undefeated and ran his pro record to 16-0 before his first loss, racking up finishes over the likes of Alex Perez.