If flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja is searching for recent competitors to defend his title in opposition to, Tatsuro Taira thinks he may have the strongest case.
Undefeated Japanese sensation Taira (16-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) will look to place his resume excessive for a crack on the 125-pound belt when he takes on Brandon Royval (16-7 MMA, 6-3 UFC) in Saturday’s UFC Combat Night time 244 most important occasion, which takes place on the UFC Apex in Las Vegas (ESPN+).
Pantoja has already crushed the vast majority of the top-ranked contenders within the division, and a few of them twice over. There’s just a few new matchups for the champ, and Taira is one among them if he will get by way of Royval.
Amir Albazi would have a case if he beats Brandon Moreno within the UFC Combat Night time 245 most important occasion on Nov. 2. Former RIZIN FF champ Kai Asakura has additionally been rumored for a crack at gold in his promotional debut. Nothing is seemingly set in stone, although, and Taira goals to point out the promotion he’s the man.
“I’m very excited to see the Albazi vs. Moreno struggle,” Taira advised MMA Junkie by way of an interpreter on Tuesday. “After all, I’m trying ahead to Kai Asakura, how he can do as properly. However simply considering of the outcomes and data that I’ve in UFC, I’ve been the one who has been constantly successful and displaying energy. I’m fairly certain I might belong as the following title contender.”
Taira made his octagon debut in Could 2022 and has already rattled off six UFC wins, with 4 of these coming by stoppage. The 24-year-old has three Efficiency of the Night time bonuses to boast, as properly, and consequently has positioned himself for this breakthrough alternative in opposition to Royval.
“I wouldn’t say (my stand up the division is occurring) quick, however I might say it’s a very good tempo,” Taira stated. “It’s been working properly thus far. I’m ranked No. 5 now and I undoubtedly wish to present the followers that I belong right here and likewise I belong as a champion quickly and grow to be a really sturdy champion.”
Taira’s need to grow to be UFC champion is unwavering, and he stated nothing has distracted his dedication to the game. He’s decided to maintain his undefeated streak going for so long as attainable, as a result of the concern of dropping can also be a driving pressure.
“If I begin considering of dropping and stuff, I do get form of scared,” Taira stated. “However as soon as the struggle is coming and I begin focusing, I don’t actually even take into consideration my file. I simply actually deal with the struggle. That’s how a lot I really like MMA. I simply wish to hold successful.”
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