Tatsuro Taira returns to UFC action against Hyun Sung Park after a 10-month absence, inspired by Joshua Van‘s rapid rise, aiming to position himself for a title shot following the Pantoja-Van fight.
Tatsuro Taira last stepped into the octagon 10 months ago, delivering a Fight of the Year contender against Brandon Royval at UFC Vegas 98. Since then, the UFC’s flyweight division has shifted dramatically.
This Saturday, Taira returns to headline UFC Vegas 108, facing Hyun Sung Park, who stepped in on less than a week’s notice to replace Amir Albazi. Quite the whirlwind!
Taira’s loss to Royval marked his first in pro MMA, but it hasn’t dampened his spirit. In fact, the rapid rise of Joshua Van has only fueled his fire. Van’s climbed to a likely title shot with five wins in under a year. Impressive, right?
“[Van’s rise to title contention] is very surprising,” Taira told MMA Fighting. “But it inspires me, gives me energy. I’m excited to see how his fight with Pantoja goes.”
Van’s victory over Royval at UFC 317 was electric. And with Pantoja stopping Kai Kara-France on the same card, a future title fight looms.
Taira’s goal this Saturday? Put himself in line for the next 125-pound title shot. “Experience will play a factor, but skill sets matter too,” he said.
He’s ready to showcase his strengths and await the outcome between Pantoja and Van. “I’m ready to prove myself and hopefully get the next shot.”
And if things go according to plan, who does Taira see himself facing for the championship? “Pantoja has proven a lot,” Taira noted. “It’ll be jiu-jitsu vs. boxing. I think Pantoja’s jiu-jitsu will win.”