Tatsuro Taira is a Japanese professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of August 5, 2025, he is ranked #5 in the UFC flyweight rankings. Taira holds an impressive professional MMA record of 17 wins and 1 loss.
Recent Fight Statistics
| Date | Opponent | Event | Method | Round | Time |
| August 2, 2025 | Hyun Sung Park | UFC Fight Night: Taira vs. Park | Submission (Face Crank) | 2 | 1:06 |
| October 12, 2024 | Brandon Royval | UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Taira | Decision (Split) | 5 | 5:00 |
| June 15, 2024 | Alex Perez | UFC on ESPN: Perez vs. Taira | TKO (Knee Injury) | 2 | 2:59 |
| December 9, 2023 | Carlos Hernandez | UFC Fight Night: Song vs. Gutierrez | TKO (Punches) | 2 | 0:55 |
Fight Recap and Career Highlights
On August 2, 2025, Tatsuro Taira defeated Hyun Sung Park by submission using a face crank in the second round, marking a strong comeback after his first professional loss.
His only loss came on October 12, 2024, in a closely contested split decision against Brandon Royval.
Prior to his loss, Taira had several dominant wins including a technical knockout victory over Alex Perez due to a knee injury and a quick TKO against Carlos Hernandez.
Fighting Style and Background
Taira started martial arts training with kickboxing before transitioning to mixed martial arts at the age of 15.
He holds black belts in both Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
His fighting style is notable for a blend of strong grappling and striking, making him a versatile and technical fighter inside the octagon.
Notable Accomplishments
Tatsuro Taira is the first fighter born in the 2000s to both fight in and win a UFC main event.
He has expressed ambition to become the youngest UFC flyweight champion in history.
Read More:
Ben Shelton (2025) — Rising American tennis star.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa (2025) — Premier League clash recap.
Early Life and Martial Arts Background
Growing up on Okinawa, the birthplace of karate, Taira was immersed in a rich martial arts culture. Although he initially played baseball, his interest shifted when influenced by his older brother who practiced kickboxing. Taira began training at The Palaestra Okinawa gym, where he expanded his skill set under expert coaches. His amateur career was exemplary, including winning multiple Shooto amateur championships and compiling a perfect 10-0 amateur record, paving his way into professional MMA by the age of 18.
MMA Career Development
Early Career in Shooto
Taira made his professional MMA debut on August 3, 2018, with a first-round submission victory. He quickly dominated in Shooto, a leading Japanese MMA promotion, winning the flyweight rookie tournament and capturing the Shooto World Flyweight Championship in 2021. His grappling and submission skills became his trademarks, often finishing rivals by chokeholds.
Transition to UFC
Recognized for his potential, the UFC signed Taira in 2022. He made history as the first fighter born in the 2000s to headline and win a UFC main event fight. Known for his fast-paced, technical style, Taira combines karate striking with Brazilian jiu-jitsu submissions and relentless pressure.
Fighting Style and Techniques
Tatsuro Taira is a versatile fighter who blends traditional Okinawan martial arts with modern MMA techniques. His style features sharp striking from karate, strategic clinching, and expert-level grappling with a focus on submission holds such as the triangle choke and rear-naked choke. Noted for his speed and precision, Taira often controls the fight pace and capitalizes on opponent mistakes to secure early finishes. His ability to seamlessly transition between striking and ground fighting sets him apart in the competitive flyweight division.
Achievements and Rankings
As of August 2025, Taira is ranked #5 in the UFC flyweight division. He has maintained an undefeated professional record with multiple submission victories and notable wins over high-caliber opponents in both Shooto and the UFC. Taira earned accolades such as Shooto Flyweight Rookie Champion and MVP while still a teenager and continues to garner attention as a future title contender in the UFC.
Impact on Japanese MMA
Tatsuro Taira symbolizes the new generation of Japanese mixed martial artists who are succeeding on a global stage. His undefeated run and main event victories inspire fans and younger athletes in Japan, where MMA has seen legendary figures but fewer breakout stars in recent years. With his youth and skill, Taira is positioned to revive Japanese prominence in the UFC flyweight division and beyond.
Read More:
Santos FC Standings (2025) — Current Serie A table.
La Liga Rankings 2025/26 — Latest Spanish league standings.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Fighters from Tatsuro Taira’s Journey
Tatsuro Taira’s path offers several practical lessons for aspiring MMA fighters. Dedication to mastering multiple martial arts disciplines, starting from a young age, builds a well-rounded skill set. Remaining undefeated requires not only skill but strong mental focus and strategic fight preparation. Training under experienced coaches and competing in reputable promotions allows steady career growth. Adaptability and technical precision, as shown by Taira, are critical to success against diverse opponents.
Real-Life Example: Taira’s UFC Main Event Victory
In his UFC main event debut, Taira showcased calm aggression and flawless technique to defeat a seasoned opponent via submission in the early rounds. This victory not only secured his place among the elite fighters but also made history as the first UFC main event win for a fighter born in the 2000s. This example underscores how preparation, skill, and mental toughness combine to create breakthrough moments in MMA careers.
Up-to-Date Insights on Tatsuro Taira’s Career (2025)
Taira continues to build momentum with upcoming MMA bouts scheduled against top contenders. Analysts highlight his potential to challenge for the UFC flyweight title within the next 1-2 years. Ongoing improvements in striking defense and cardiovascular endurance will be key as he faces more experienced fighters. His team emphasizes strategic fight planning and recovery to maintain his undefeated streak.
FAQs
Who is Tatsuro Taira?
Tatsuro Taira is a professional Japanese mixed martial artist born in Okinawa in 2000. He competes in the UFC flyweight division and is known for his undefeated record and technical grappling and striking skills.
What is Tatsuro Taira’s fighting style?
Taira combines traditional karate striking with Brazilian jiu-jitsu grappling. He is known for his speed, precision, and ability to finish fights by submission, particularly triangle chokes and rear-naked chokes.
How did Tatsuro Taira start his MMA career?
Taira began training in martial arts from a young age, influenced by Okinawa’s martial arts tradition and his older brother’s kickboxing. He had a perfect amateur Shooto record before turning professional in 2018.
What are some of Tatsuro Taira’s career achievements?
He won the Shooto Flyweight Championship, several amateur tournaments, and became the first fighter born in the 2000s to win a UFC main event. As of 2025, he ranks #5 in the UFC flyweight division.
What makes Tatsuro Taira important for Japanese MMA?
Taira represents a new generation of Japanese fighters making an impact internationally. His successes bring renewed attention and inspiration to Japanese MMA fans and athletes looking to compete at the highest levels.
Final Thoughts
Tatsuro Taira is a remarkable young talent in the world of mixed martial arts who has already achieved historic milestones. His blend of Okinawan martial arts heritage with modern MMA techniques has propelled him to the forefront of the UFC flyweight division. Maintaining an undefeated record, Taira exemplifies discipline, technical skill, and the potential to become a future UFC champion. As he continues to evolve, he remains a beacon of pride and hope for Japanese MMA and fight fans worldwide.
Read More:
Sporting CP Players (2025) — Key players from Sporting Clube de Portugal.
England vs Colombia (2025) — Rivalry and recent matches.
To Read More; click here
