UFC Vegas 93 Results: Tatsuro Taira Shines in Main Event Victory

LockerRoom Team

18 Jun 2024

Sunday's UFC Fight Night, UFC Vegas 93 delivered an emotional experience for fans across Asia. In a standout performance, Japan's Tatsuro Taira secured a top-five ranking in his first main event by defeating former title challenger Alex Perez. Taira's victory not only elevated his status in the flyweight division but also earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.

However, the preliminary bouts brought a more somber note. Indonesia's Jeka Saragih and China's Shayilan began their fights strongly but were ultimately submitted by their taller, longer opponents.

The event, UFC Fight Night: Perez vs. Taira, aired live across Asia on Sunday, June 16, from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas. Ranked #13 in the flyweight division, Tatsuro Taira faced his first top-five opponent in #5 Alex Perez. Taira's striking skills were exceptional, and he effectively used knees in the clinch before executing a remarkable takedown from a standing mount position. This move caused an injury to Perez's knee, resulting in a TKO victory for Taira in the second round. With this win, Taira maintains his undefeated record and moves into the top five rankings, bringing him closer to a potential title shot. Reflecting on his victory, Taira expressed his joy and issued a challenge to the flyweight division, including the champion, Alexandre Pantoja.

"I'm happy, thank you! I practice boxing a lot, but I found it's something I need to improve more. That takedown from the back is a special technique that only I can do. Flyweight fighters: please line up in front of me, everyone! (UFC flyweight champion Alexandre) Pantojaaaa... Let's go! Title shot!"

In a shift in next week's inaugural card in Saudi Arabia, Ikram Aliskerov was moved to replace an injured Khamzat Chimaev against Rob Whittaker. Consequently, highly skilled bantamweights Douglas Silva and Miles Johns were promoted to the co-main event. Both fighters delivered an exciting match, exchanging powerful punches over three rounds. Miles Johns ultimately prevailed, winning on the scorecards. He expressed his satisfaction with his performance and sent a warning to the bantamweight division.

"I feel like I finally found the Miles Johns that's in the practice room. It took me a while, but I'm here now. There's going to be phase two, so all the bantamweights better watch out. I always want to put on a show, especially because I'm the co-main event, but the real Miles Johns has the heart of a lion."

The night showcased remarkable talent and set the stage for exciting future matchups in the UFC.

UFC Vegas 93 Results: 

AWARDS

• Performance of the Night: Tatsuro Taira
• Performance of the Night: Brady Hiestand

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT

• Tatsuro Taira defeats Alex Perez by TKO, Round 2, 2:59
• Miles Johns defeats Douglas Silva de Andrade by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
• Lucas Almeida defeats Timmy Cuamba by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Brady Hiestand defeats Garrett Armfield by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:52 of Round 3
• Asu Almabayev defeats Jose Johnson by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Adam Fugitt defeats Josh Quinlan by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

PRELIMS

• Nate Maness defeats Jimmy Flick by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
• Gabriella Fernandes defeats Carli Judice by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
• Westin Wilson defeats Jeka Saragih by submission (armbar) at 1:49 of Round 1
• Melquizael Costa defeats Shayilan Nuerdanbieke by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:50 of Round 3
• Josefine Knutsson defeats Julia Polastri by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

What are your thoughts on the event? Let us know in the comments below.