UFC Vegas 93 had a few big cancellations but kept its anticipated main event intact. Rising Japanese flyweight Tatsuro Taira looks to climb the rankings with a win over #5-ranked Alex Perez.
Alex Perez vs. Tatsuro Taira Fight Preview
Alex Perez has been on a resurgence as of late, with this being his third fight in the last three months. He first lost a close and competitive decision to Muhammad Mokaev back in March. Despite the loss, the fight raised expectations for Perez who had struggled to get in the cage before the fight. He returned on short notice less than two months later to KO Matheus Nicolau in the main event of UFC Vegas 91, stunning many. Perez now looks to string together his first win streak since 2020 and take the hype of Tatsuro Taira. It has been a miraculous turnaround for Perez who fought just once from 2021-2023.
Tatsuro Taira has been on a surge to the top of the flyweight division. Since joining the UFC in May of 2022, Taira has been on a 5-fight win streak and is yet to lose in his career. An impressive 15-0 record follows for the rising star out of Japan, who has already had two bouts canceled in 2024. Taira is believed to be a future title contender by many and has the attention of the UFC with this main event opportunity. A win here could potentially spring Taira into the title conversation with a top ranking and a long win streak.
Fight Recap
The fighters engaged in an early clinch with some big strikes landed off the break by both. Perez looked to control the striking on the outside and landed some big hooks while rushing in. Taira responded with some big clinch knees before an eye poke from Taira stopped the action. The two continued striking at range with nothing landing with much impact.
Another eye poke came early in Round 2 but caused little issues. Both men landed solid leg kicks throughout but it was Perez who was finding success with the hands. After a big combination from Perez, Taira landed a big takedown and slipped right to the back of Perez. He locked up the body triangle while attacking the neck while Perez stood up to defend. Taira forced them back to the ground while on the back of Perez and caused an injury as Perez hit the floor. He immediately yelled out and tapped while grabbing his right knee with the doctor coming in to help.
The fight was stopped due to injury at
UFC Fighters React to Tatsuro Taira Causing Injury to Alex Perez
Featured Image Credit via Embed from Getty Images
