The Ultimate Fighting Championship is just hours away from UFC Vegas 108, scheduled for Saturday night, August 2, 2025, at the APEX facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. Highlighting the event is a flyweight main event between top contenders Tatsuro Taira and Hyun Sung Park, a battle that could have significant consequences for the division’s title picture heading into later in 2025. This fight serves as a pivotal moment for both athletes as they look to advance toward championship contention.
Supporting the main event is a highly anticipated lightweight clash featuring Chris Duncan and Mateusz Rebecki. These fighters aim to secure a place among the division’s elite with a notable win. Fans can anticipate an intense night of matchups broadcast on ESPN and ESPN+, promising an exciting mix of skill, resilience, and high-level competition.
Tatsuro Taira and Hyun Sung Park Face Off in Flyweight Division Battle
Tatsuro Taira enters this matchup with a 16-1 professional record, standing 5’7” with a 70-inch reach, known for his balanced skill set that includes five wins by knockout or technical knockout, seven submissions, and four decisions. Currently ranked No. 6 in the flyweight division, Taira is returning to action after a split decision loss to Brandon Royval. His UFC Vegas 108 preparation had been focused on Amir Albazi until Albazi’s withdrawal, prompting matchmakers to secure Hyun Sung Park as a replacement.
Hyun Sung Park remains undefeated at 10-0, standing the same height as Taira but with a slightly shorter reach of 66 inches. Known by his nickname “Peace of Mind,” Park boasts four wins by knockout or technical knockout, five submissions, and a single decision victory. Park prepares to test his skills against higher-tier competition after recently defeating Carlos Hernandez via submission.
Training Challenges and Tactical Outlook for the Main Event
Taira has emphasized his readiness despite the opponent change on short notice, crediting his training team for strong support and his enhanced strength and conditioning. He expressed confidence at the UFC Vegas 108 media day, calling this fight a crucial opportunity to showcase the experience and skill expected from a UFC competitor at his level.
“Obviously, the opponent changed on short notice, last-minute, but I’ve been preparing very well together with my team,” —Tatsuro Taira, UFC Vegas 108 media day
“My team has been very supportive. I’ve been working on my strength to get stronger and get better. I train with a lot of fighters from my team, so I was actually prepared to fight anyone. I’m ready for this fight. I would say this will be the first time Park will be fighting against a fighter at my level. Likely in the first round, he would understand that what he said was a mistake.” —Tatsuro Taira, UFC Vegas 108 media day
“The last fight against Royval, five-minute, five-round tough fight, definitely made me realize I need to get better conditioning and, of course, the striking side as well,” —Tatsuro Taira, UFC Vegas 108 media day
“So, I think I’m back now, definitely as a better fighter. Conditioning and striking for sure, but not just that. I learned a lot from that fight in gaining experience as well. Now I’m fighting Hyun Sung Park, who is a younger opponent. Now it’s my turn to show the experience and what UFC fighters are.” —Tatsuro Taira, UFC Vegas 108 media day
Park, coming from a short-notice fight transition, maintains confidence despite limited preparation specifically for Taira. He is optimistic about overcoming the challenge by relying on his usual skill set and conditioning, even while facing a fighter many consider above his current competition level.
“Since this was such a short-notice fight, actually there was no camp, no preparation [for Taira],” —Hyun Sung Park, UFC Vegas 108 media day
“So, I’m just gonna fight with my regular skills. He’s a good MMA fighter, but not too great, so I think I’ll be able to beat him. Tatsuro is a tricky fighter, so this makes me really excited and I’m ready for it. I will smash Taira Tatsuro. I will break him. Of course I’m cutting a lot of weight in a short period of time, but I don’t see that as very difficult. I just want to focus on my weight cut right now, and then just be able to win this week.” —Hyun Sung Park, UFC Vegas 108 media day
This matchup is expected to be closely contested. Taira’s grappling may provide the edge against an aggressive striker like Park, and the pacing could stretch the fight to a full five rounds given both fighters’ endurance and determined styles.
Lightweight Bout Between Chris Duncan and Mateusz Rebecki Promises Intensity
The co-main event features Chris Duncan, nicknamed “The Problem,” and Mateusz “Chinczyk” Rebecki, two fighters with comparable professional resumes. Duncan holds a 13-2 record and enters this fight as the underdog despite a recent submission win. He stands 5’10” with a reach of 71 inches and carries a balanced skill set with an emphasis on striking and wrestling, though his takedown defense has room for improvement.
Rebecki is a 20-2 veteran competing at 5’7” with a 66-inch reach. A southpaw known for his persistence and heavy hand, Rebecki boasts an aggressive style with a high takedown average and solid striking defense. Both fighters come from American Top Team in Florida, adding a layer of familiarity and tension to the matchup.
Training Dynamics and Fight Strategies at Play
Despite training under the same gym roof, Duncan explains that American Top Team has maintained professional boundaries that allow both fighters to prepare effectively. He anticipates Rebecki will press forward aggressively, likely blending striking with wrestling tactics, and acknowledges the need to remain alert to avoid costly mistakes inside the cage.
“It’s just unfortunate we train under the same gym, but I’m just very fortunate American Top Team was so professional in regard to keeping us separate in our training and stuff like that,” —Chris Duncan, UFC Vegas 108 media day
“It is what it is. I’m going to make his wish [to fight me] come true. I think he’s a very respectful opponent. He was super respectful to me in the gym. We’re just going to go out there and clash and I’m going to show him I’m the better fighter.” —Chris Duncan, UFC Vegas 108 media day
“We all know he comes forward,” —Chris Duncan, UFC Vegas 108 media day
“He’s a brawler. I think he’s going to try to wrestle me a little bit, to be honest. It takes no genius to know he’s going to come forward with some heat, so have to make sure to not get caught, getting caught in stupid places. I’m looking forward to it. He’s a great opponent for me.” —Chris Duncan, UFC Vegas 108 media day
Rebecki is eager to showcase a diverse attack and believes his ground game will give him an advantage over Duncan. The stakes are high, with a win potentially catapulting him into the Top 15 of the lightweight rankings, alongside increased recognition and sponsorship opportunities.
“I’m really happy because I’ve been waiting 10 months and I would like to kick some ass,” —Mateusz Rebecki, UFC.com
“[Duncan is a] tough guy. A lot of powerful kicks, good wrestling. On the ground, only [guillotine]. I think I can use the ground for me. It can be a better part for me than Chris Duncan. It’s difficult because it’s my teammate and I know everything that he does, but still, he has weaknesses, and I would like to use this.” —Mateusz Rebecki, UFC.com
“[Expect] fireworks,” —Mateusz Rebecki, UFC.com
“Everything we can do. Submission, knockout each other, wrestling. We are guys who have everything and can show a really good show. We are in the co-main event because the UFC believes in us. [A win would] change my life. Probably Top 15, more money, sponsors. I will be a popular guy. I think it will be really good fun after.” —Mateusz Rebecki, UFC.com
Though Duncan is the underdog according to betting odds, his history of overcoming expectations with submission victories suggests he remains a dangerous opponent. Rebecki’s aggressive style and higher takedown success rates make him a formidable adversary, but Duncan’s tactical awareness may be key to his success.
Where and How to Watch UFC Vegas 108 Live
Fans will have every opportunity to catch the live UFC Vegas 108 action starting with preliminary fights streamed on ESPN+ at 6 p.m. ET, followed by the main card airing on ESPN and ESPN+ from 9 p.m. ET. The event promises nonstop excitement as top-level fighters compete with everything on the line.
The fast-paced main event between Taira and Park, along with the compelling lightweight collision between Duncan and Rebecki, highlight a card that could reshape rankings and future matchups within both divisions. Audience engagement is expected to be high, and the event’s outcome will likely inform booking decisions and title chase trajectories in the coming months.
Anticipated Impact and Future Implications for the Flyweight and Lightweight Divisions
The UFC Vegas 108 event represents more than just another fight night; it holds considerable weight in determining promising new contenders and measuring the progress of established fighters. Tatsuro Taira’s opportunity to bounce back from his first defeat could stabilize or elevate his ranking, while Hyun Sung Park’s undefeated record is under its toughest test to date.
Similarly, the lightweight bout serves as a crucial juncture for Chris Duncan and Mateusz Rebecki as each seeks to prove readiness for top-tier competition. A victory could launch either fighter into the Top 15, bringing them closer to title contention and increased visibility within the UFC ecosystem.
As the action unfolds inside the APEX, fighters will demonstrate their determination and resolve, captivating fans and shaping the future landscape of these competitive weight classes within the UFC.