This weekend’s UFC occasion was meant to go down as a vital flyweight title eliminator for Tatsuro Taira, however a late opponent change may put his championship aspirations on maintain for a bit.
Tatsuro Taira Initially Scheduled to Face Fellow Flyweight Contender in Las Vegas
Searching for to rebound from a detailed break up resolution defeat to Brandon Royval final 12 months, Tatsuro Taira walks into his third consecutive UFC foremost occasion with quite a bit to show after struggling the primary lack of his skilled profession. Initially, the Japanese grappling specialist was paired in opposition to the equally imposing Amir Albazi. Nevertheless, lower than every week earlier than the much-anticipated scrap was slated to start, the Iraqi has sadly been injured (first reported by Greatest Struggle Picks) and has subsequently been taken off the cardboard.
Per sources subsequent week’s foremost occasion between Taira and Albazi is off. New foremost occasion announcement coming quickly.
— Dan (@BestFightPicks) July 27, 2025
On a mission to avenge a current setback himself, Albazi was planning on reentering the winner’s circle after being bested by former two-time flyweight champion Brandon Moreno final November. The defeat spelled the top of his good run within the promotion, in addition to his first in over 5 years. Previous to not getting his hand raised, “The Prince” had notched unbelievable victories over 125-lb standouts similar to Alessandro Costa and Kai Kara-France.
Taira Will get New Adversary in Comeback Match
Whereas his unique foe may need bowed out their bout, Tatsuro Taira is not going to want to fret about his place within the present, because the surging 125-lb phenom has simply discovered a model new adversary to share the cage with within the type of Hyun Sung Park.
Undefeated at a good 10-0, Park has made a reputation for himself as a sizzling prospect within the flyweight division. Incomes a coveted UFC contract after two straight first-round stoppages on Highway To UFC, “Peace of Thoughts” has recorded three spectacular wins contained in the Octagon, all ending in finishes. Though he remained absent from competitors in 2024, the South Korea native stepped again as much as the plate this previous Could at UFC Struggle Evening: Burns vs. Morales. The competition turned out to be a quick evening within the workplace for Park, who choked out Carlos Hernandez in simply over two minutes.
Can Tatsuro Taira Seize Title Shot with Resounding Win over Park?
On paper, this matchup ought to look like an simply manageable task for Tatsuro Taira. Possessing arguably the wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu recreation within the weight class, The Blackbelt Japan product has been a nightmare opponent for a lot of the flyweight elite like Edgar Chairez, Alex Perez and the aforementioned Royval. That being mentioned, does he materialize a shot on the belt with a victory over Park?
For some pundits, the reply could be no, because the Korean bruiser, whereas a stalwart athlete in his personal proper, isn’t even ranked within the class’s high 15. He is also filling in on very brief discover, whereas Tatsuro Taira has had the possibility to tackle a full combat camp, that means that Park’s gasoline tank shouldn’t be as much as par with the Japanese’s. All indicators appear to level to a swift combat for Taira, and an extended wait to problem for the 125-lb throne till he topples one other high-profile, ranked opponent.
Nevertheless, though Park doesn’t have a quantity subsequent to his identify within the flyweight rankings, it doesn’t imply he doesn’t pose a critical menace to Taira. In truth, as evident by his 9 stoppages in his ten-bout run as knowledgeable, “Peace of Thoughts” might have what it takes to upset the heavy favourite. Ought to Taira handle to place away this prolific scorecard avoider in superb vogue, particularly if he pulls off a spotlight reel end, then there isn’t any doubt that he has the credibility to contend for his first main world championship.
