Thrilling Flyweight Contenders Square Off This August

Albazi, Taira Two of the Best Flyweights on Planet

In the competitive landscape of the 125-lb weight class, Albazi (17-2) and Taira (16-1) are amongst some of the cream of the crop. Over the course of their respective surges towards top contendership, both men have tangled with the who’s who of the division, ranging from former champions and title challengers alike. Taking center stage in the UFC Apex in Enterprise, NV, the flyweight juggernauts will vie for supremacy.

Arriving in the UFC in 2020, Albazi quickly made a name for himself at flyweight with his impeccable finishing ability, netting three stoppage wins across his first four bouts in the company. He then got the biggest test of his career when he took on Kai Kara-France in his first UFC main event in 2023. Although the result was controversial, the Iraqi flyweight scored the split decision victory over the notable Ultimate Fighter alum.

Sadly, he suffered his first defeat in five years in his next contest, losing a unanimous decision to Mexican sensation Brandon Moreno.

Sizing Up Taira Ahead of Key Flyweight Fight

For the first three years of his time as a professional mixed martial artist, Taira competed solely in his native Japan, racking up a sterling record of 10-0 while capturing the Shooto Flyweight Championship.

He then received his call to the UFC in 2022, making his promotional debut at UFC Fight Night 212, submitting C.J. Vergara in the second round. He proceeded to rattled off four more wins in a row before challenging Brandon Royval in what played out as an all-time flyweight classic. While he did prove he could go the 25-minute distance, it was Royval who emerged victorious to hand the Japanese phenom his first loss as a professional. 

Exciting Matchup Has Potential for Fight of The Night Honors

At the outset of this upcoming showdown between these two stalwart athletes, both fighters possess a similar skill set to each other. They bring to the table a strong wrestling pedigree, having dominated most of their opposition with their next-level grappling. Whoever comes out on top in this clash of flyweight elites, that man will prove himself to be arguably the top wrestler in the entire weight category.

While they both bring to the table a vast amount of experience in grappling, it is Albazi who boasts the most appearances in organizational headlining fights. Including his confrontation with the Japan representative, “The Prince” will have fought in three main events back-to-back. In the case of Taira, his seventh overall trip to Vegas will be just his second top-billed scrap of his UFC tenure.