Tatsuro Taira Destroys Park Hyun-Sung, Wants Title Shot Next!

Tatsuro Taira delivered a resounding message to the flyweight division Saturday night. Finishing Park Hyun-Sung in the second round at UFC on ESPN 71 inside the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Facing an undefeated opponent and coming off his first career loss, Taira showcased elite composure and technique. He dropped Park with a sharp counter right hand in the opening round and kept the pressure on throughout. After multiple scrambles and back takes, Taira sealed the win with a textbook rear naked choke midway through the second round.

In the post fight press conference, the No. 6-ranked contender didn’t mince words about where he sees himself among the division’s best.

“I can say 100 percent, my skill is higher than the champion’s,” Tiara (17-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) told reporters at the UFC on ESPN 71 post-fight press conference.

“The submission defense, I know part was really aware that I would be bringing these kinds of submissions, and he was very cautious, and he was prepared, as well,” Taira said. “He was very strong, true. But I’m very confident in my submission skills and overall skills, as well. I never rushed. I was confident in taking time and waiting for that moment.”