Tatsuro Taira showed flashes of brilliance in his first octagon headliner on Saturday at UFC on ESPN 58even if it didn’t end in the most satisfactory way.
Taira (16-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) scored a second-round TKO over Alex Perez (24-9 MMA, 6-5 UFC) in the flyweight main event at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, but the finish came then a sequence in which Perez injured his knee trying to defend himself from an unusual takedown attempt.
Still, Taira’s status as a top prospect at 125 pounds and in the UFC in general continues to grow, and he’s in position for something significant in the future.
What’s next for the undefeated Japanese sensation? Watch the video above for thoughts and analysis on Taira’s future after UFC on ESPN 58.
For more information on the card, visit the MMA Junkie events hub to UFC on ESPN 58.