Tatsuro Taira is aiming for the stars with an eye on making history in the world of MMA. The rising UFC flyweight contender has his sights set on a title shot against reigning champion Alexandre Pantoja in 2024, a showdown that could see him become the first Japanese fighter to claim UFC gold.

Unyielding Aspirations

After his recent victory at UFC on ESPN 58, Taira (16-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) shared his ambitious goals with the media. “I want against Pantoja this year, but actually I really want to see who wins between Kape and Mokaev,” Taira expressed at the post-fight press conference.

"I will be very happy if I can fight my title shot against Pantoja in Japan and become the first Japanese (UFC) champion."

Dominant Performance Leads to Victory

Taira showcased his skills in the main event at UFC Apex, where he secured a victory over former title challenger Alex Perez. The bout ended in a TKO due to an unfortunate injury to Perez, who, after a competitive exchange, suffered a knee injury while defending against Taira's rear naked choke attempt.

"I came here to fight all five rounds. It’s a shame he got injured, but I’m happy I got the win," Taira stated, reflecting the mixed emotions of his victory.

What's Next?

With an impeccable record of 16 wins and no losses, Taira's ascent in the flyweight division has been meteoric. His next step will highly depend on the outcome of the bout between promising contenders Kape and Mokaev. Should he secure a fight against Pantoja, it will mark a monumental moment not just for Taira, but for Japan's MMA legacy.

The Bigger Picture

Taira’s potential title shot in Japan would symbolize a significant achievement for Japanese MMA. The sport has deep roots and a passionate following in Japan, and seeing a homegrown fighter rise to the top in UFC could ignite even greater interest and inspiration among fans and future fighters.

In the competitive world of MMA, Tatsuro Taira stands on the brink of carving his name into the history books. With his clear determination and the backing of his country, the stage is set for a potentially historic showdown that could see Japan finally claim UFC championship gold.

Editor: Yana Davydiuk