LAS VEGAS – Tatsuro Taira wants to make history this year.
The rising UFC flyweight contender hopes to get a title shot against champion Alexandre Pantoja in 2024 for the opportunity to become the first Japanese champion in UFC history.
“I want to face Pantoja this year, but I actually really want to see who wins between Kape and Mokaev,” Taira told reporters at the UFC on ESPN 58 post-fight press conference.
He then added,
“I will be very happy if I can fight for the title against Pantoja in Japan and become the first Japanese (UFC) champion.”
Taira (16-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) defeated former UFC title challenger Alex Perez in the main event of UFC on ESPN 58, which took place at the UFC Apex. The fight was ruled a technical knockout due to injury in favor of Taira. After a competitive round, Taira caught Perez’s (25-9 MMA, 7-5 UFC) back while standing and Perez’s knee gave way.
It was an unfortunate situation for Perez and Taira fans.
“I came here to fight five rounds. It’s a shame he got hurt, but I’m happy he got the win.”
For more information on the card, visit the MMA Junkie events hub to UFC on ESPN 58.
