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Tatsuro Taira (Image Credits: Imagn)

Who is Tatsuro Taira? Meet the Only 2000s-Born Fighter to Win a UFC Main Event

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Sarthak Khanna | Last updated Mar 18, 2026 3:09 AM ET

Tatsuro Taira has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in the UFC. The Japanese flyweight represents a new generation of fighters. Taira is the first and only fighter born in the 2000s to fight in and win a UFC main event. Currently, he is preparing for his next bout against Joshua Van at UFC 327 on April 12, 2026.

While many fighters take years to headline a card, Taira reached that stage quite early. Taira combines grappling dominance with improving striking skills. His journey is not just about records. It is about consistency and composure under pressure. Each fight has shown his growth. His ability to control opponents stands out in a competitive division. That said, let’s take a brief look at his MMA career to date.

Tatsuro Taira’s MMA Career So Far

Taira boasts an astonishing 18-1-0 record. Starting his professional MMA career in Japan, he built an impressive undefeated record before joining the UFC. His early fights showcased strong grappling and positional control. These skills became his foundation. Making his UFC debut in May 2022, Taira defeated Carlos Candelario and continued his winning run. He faced tougher opponents but remained composed. His fight IQ became a major talking point. He rarely wastes energy and executes game plans effectively.

平良達郎、節目となるUFC10戦目はUFC327@マイアミにてフライ級タイトルショット

デビュー戦から簡単ではなかった平良のUFCロードも4年目に突入しました。

闘い続ける毎日の中で少しずつ名前を知っていただき、応援の声も大きくなり、いつも温かいみなさんにチーム一同支えられております。… https://t.co/TdremafsWY pic.twitter.com/zgmmTseWwF
— Atelier Tatsuro Taira【official】 (@tatsuro_ch) February 22, 2026

The only loss that Taira faced in UFC was against Brandon Moreno in UFC 324. However, he soon redeemed himself in his second fight against Moreno in 2025, winning via TKO. His biggest breakthrough came in a UFC main event where he submitted HyunSung Park in the second round at UFC Fight Night on Aug. 2, 2025. That fight put him in the global spotlight.

Winning that bout made history for fighters born in the 2000s. It also confirmed his status as a rising contender. At the moment, Tatsuro comfortably sits at number 3 in the Flyweight rankings. With each fight, his confidence continues to grow. Many believe he could soon challenge for a title. The flyweight division now has a new name to watch closely.

Tatsuro Taira’s Personal Life

Outside the octagon, Taira maintains a relatively private life. He was born and raised in Okinawa, Japan. His upbringing played a key role in shaping his discipline. Taira started martial arts training at a very young age. He showed dedication early in life. Fortunately, his family supported his ambitions throughout his journey.

He started training in MMA after being inspired by his elder brother, who trained under Ryota Matsune, a renowned Japanese MMA fighter.

Despite his rising fame, Taira remains grounded. He often speaks about representing Japan on a global stage. He has never publicly talked about his relationship status either.