At UFC Vegas 108 on August 2, 2025, Tatsuro Taira secured a commanding second-round submission victory over Hyun Sung Park inside the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. Following this decisive win, Taira directly voiced his ambition for a UFC Flyweight title shot during his in-cage interview with Michael Bisping, highlighting his readiness to challenge the division’s best.
Post-Fight Interview Reveals Taira’s Confidence
Speaking through a translator, Taira reflected on his return after a 10-month hiatus since his last fight against Brandon Royval, emphasizing his strong comeback. He declared,
“From the last Brandon Royval fight, it’s been 10 months, and I’m back strong,”
—Tatsuro Taira, UFC Flyweight Contender. He made his target clear, saying,
“Is it Pantoja? Is it Joshua Van? I want that. I want the winner.”
—Tatsuro Taira, UFC Flyweight Contender.
Despite Bisping suggesting that Taira might need another fight before earning a title shot, potentially against Brandon Moreno, Taira remained insistent. With a laugh, he acknowledged his coaches’ advice, stating,
“Yeah, uh, haha. My coaches are saying Pantoja, Pantoja, Pantoja,”
—Tatsuro Taira, UFC Flyweight Contender.
Confidence at Post-Fight Press Conference
At the UFC Vegas 108 post-fight press conference, Taira was asked to justify why he should be next in line for the title shot. He confidently stated,
“I can say 100 percent, my skill is higher than the champion,”
—Tatsuro Taira, UFC Flyweight Contender. This assurance positions Taira as a serious threat in the Flyweight division moving forward.
Potential Paths to the UFC Flyweight Title
Within the Flyweight landscape, Alexandre Pantoja has beaten most of the division’s leading contenders twice, making him a likely candidate for an immediate title defense. Given this context, Taira’s demand for a title fight is realistic but may require another victory to solidify his claim. A bout against former two-time champion Brandon Moreno would bolster Taira’s standing considerably. Alternatively, a matchup with fellow Japanese fighter Kyoji Horiguchi, who recently re-signed with UFC and is seeking competition, presents another viable option to increase Taira’s credentials.
What Lies Ahead for Taira in the Flyweight Division
Tatsuro Taira’s dominant performance and bold call for a UFC Flyweight title shot reflect his confidence and readiness to ascend the division’s ranks. Whether he receives an immediate title opportunity or must first face a top contender like Moreno or Horiguchi, Taira’s recent win significantly strengthens his position. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how matchmakers respond to his challenge in the coming months.