Flyweight main events are all the rage now with UFC Vegas 93 playing host to its sixth one this year (regardless of gender).
That’s partially thanks to Alex Perez, who remerged as a top contender with a second-round knockout of Matheus Nicolau in April. In back-to-back headliners, this time the former title challenger will fight down the ladder when he takes on Japan’s Tatsuro Taira.
Undefeated at 15-0 and ranked #13 in the division, Taira has the chance to crack the top 5 in his first main event spot against the more experienced Perez. Taira has proven himself a forced to be reckoned agains those outside the ranking so we’ll see how he handles this massive step up in competition.
For Perez, a second shot at the title might be on the line with the American coming through for the company on short-notice in his third fight this year.
Round 1:
Perez and Taira start the fight off with leg kicks. The flyweights clinch against the cage with Perez assuming control. Taira breaks away. Perez works his dirty boxing, tying Taira in the clinch for a moment before attacking the legs with kicks. Taira fires a 1-2. Perez swings big with a combo. Right hand lands for Taira and then a body kick. Perez tries to explode in short bursts. Taira fires knees to head off Perez while in the clinch. Taira clips Perez with an uppercut. Perez lands a left hook. The fight is paused due to an eye poke from Taira.
The fight continues. Taira tries a jumping knee but is then taken down by Perez. Taira quickly gets back up to his feet.
Christopher De Santiago scores the round: 10-9 Perez
Round 2:
Perez blitzes Taira with punches. Perez complains about an eye poke which pauses the fight once again. Referee Herb Dean gives Taira a warning and the fight continues. Taira throws an uppercut and follows it up with punches. Perez returns with his own array of strikes. Perez stays aggressive in his approach, trading in the pocket with Taira from time to time. Taira shoots for a takedown on Perez, which he gets to secure the back of Perez. Taira wraps the body triangle around the waist of Perez, who works his way to his feet. The standing American wears Taira like a backpack. Taira throws a few short punches from this position as he tries to trip up Perez for a takedown. Perez is eventually brought to the ground and in the worst way, suffering a knee injury on the way down. Perez, in agonizing pain already, eats a shot while tapping out with the referee saving him from further punishment.
Official result: Tatsuro Taira defeats Alex Perez via TKO (knee injury) in round 2 (2:59)
Check out the highlights below:
https://x.com/TakeruCigarra/status/1802205011834728948
Tatsuro Taira beats Alex Perez via TKO after Perez hurts his leg in round 2 #UFCVegas93 pic.twitter.com/V8R2h8Qd1t
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 16, 2024
His rise up the ranks continues 📈@TatsuroTaira remains undefeated with a TKO victory at #UFCVegas93! pic.twitter.com/ymsoDpcuhT
— UFC (@ufc) June 16, 2024
