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Tatsuro Taira: 'I Will Make My Statement'
Fighting With A Heavy Heart, Undefeated Flyweight Tatsuro Taira Hopes To Announce Himself As A Flyweight Contender In His First Main Event
When Tatsuro Taira headlines his first UFC event against Alex Perez at the APEX in Las Vegas, his biggest fan won’t be in attendance.
Yet despite his grandfather having passed away recently, the Japanese flyweight contender will show up, fight, and try to win one for his hero.
“When I was asked my hero, I answered my grandfather and he definitely would be happy if I win my fight,” said Taira. “(Before) When I would say to him that I'm going to go to the U.S., he didn’t ask about a win or loss, he just told me to come back healthy.”
Tatsuro Taira Fight Week Interview | UFC Fight Night: Perez vs Taira
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Tatsuro Taira Fight Week Interview | UFC Fight Night: Perez vs Taira
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Taira has been making plenty of business trips from Okinawa to the States to make his transition from local hero to international star, and with four of his five UFC fights taking place at the APEX, it’s almost become a second home for the unbeaten (15-0) 24-year-old, who is ranked 13th in the 125-pound weight class heading into his matchup with former world title challenger Perez, who sits in the number five spot after his knockout of Matheus Nicolau in April.
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Needless to say, it’s a big step up for Taira, who has impressed thus far with a calm determination that has consistently put him a step ahead of his opponents. Perez will be a test, though, and one he’ll have to be on top of his game to pass. Taira, confident but not cocky, expects to do just that.
“The reason why no one can beat me at flyweight is because they don't know what my strongest thing is,” he said, and he’s right. Despite winning five UFC bouts with a pair of finishes over CJ Vergara and Carlos Hernandez, there is a distinct feeling that there’s still more to be seen from Taira’s game. That’s exciting for the fans, and scary for prospective opponents. And if Taira has his way, a win over Perez will put him in line to face more of the 125-pound elite.
“For this main event, I will make my statement to finish and do anything to win,” he said. “That’s the main mission.”
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As for the other goals on the rising star’s to-do list, he already accomplished the most important, making his grandfather proud. Just ask the neighborhood.
“My grandfather really cared for me, especially for my health,” said Taira. “He was always saying, ‘Please do not get injured or anything else; just be healthy be done and come home.’ No matter what happened in the fight, he was going to be proud of me. And he didn't mention winning or losing, but I heard he would talk about me to the neighbors: ‘He's my grandchild and he's a UFC fighter. I’m really proud of him.’ He didn’t speak so much, but he spoke things about me really loud, so that makes me happy.”
UFC Fight Night: Perez vs Taira took place live from UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 15, 2024. See the final Prelim and Main Card Results, Official Scorecards and Who Won Bonuses - and relive the action on UFC Fight Pass!
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