Tatsuro Taira Aims to Inspire MMA Revival in Japan

08 July 2023

The buzz surrounding flyweight sensation Tatsuro Taira is growing rapidly as he prepares to step into the Octagon at UFC 290, aiming to maintain his unblemished record of 4-0 against newcomer Edgar Chairez. Despite the mounting acclaim, the remarkably composed 23-year-old remains unfazed. Taira's presence in the UFC is injecting fresh life into the MMA scene in Japan, which has experienced a decline in recent years. With his impressive performances, Taira is becoming a beacon of hope for Japanese MMA, signaling a potential revival.

“I pay attention to it because I really love my fans and appreciate all the support, at home in Japan and internationally,” Taira said in an interview with UFC 290. “Honestly, I want to get noticed and I want more attention, because I want to bring the UFC to Japan.”

Taira's appeal extends beyond his fighting skills, making him an easy sell to both new and long-time fans of the sport. His undeniable talent inside the Octagon is accompanied by a sense of grace and composure, distinguishing him from his peers. This combination has propelled him to victories over Carlos Candelario, CJ Vergara, and Jesus Aguilar, while also enabling him to navigate the challenges that come with fighting for the world's premier MMA organization. According to Taira, his calm, cool, and collected approach to his profession is the secret behind his success.

Although Taira encountered a detour on his path to this weekend's bout when his scheduled June 24th fight against Kleydson Rodrigues was cancelled due to the Brazilian's weight-cutting issues, Edgar Chairez from Mexico stepped in to provide Taira with an opponent.

Taira recognizes that a victory in this fight could catapult him into the flyweight rankings at 125 pounds, a goal he has set his sights on. Achieving that milestone would bring him one step closer to fulfilling his dream of competing with the UFC gloves on in his home country.

As the Tatsuro Taira bandwagon gathers momentum, his upcoming fight serves as a crucial opportunity to maintain his undefeated record and further establish himself as a rising star in the flyweight division. With his exceptional skills and unwavering composure, Taira is poised to leave a lasting impact on Japanese MMA and potentially rekindle the country's love affair with the sport.

The spotlight is on Taira as he steps into the Octagon, ready to prove that he belongs among the elite in the world of UFC flyweights.