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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Matt Erickson and Ken Hathaway

Tatsuro Taira thinks he could be three wins away from UFC title shot

LAS VEGAS – Tatsuro Taira beat CJ Vergara with a second-round submission Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC Fight Night 212 in Las Vegas.

Take a look inside the fight with Taira, who stayed unbeaten and got his first finish in the UFC after a decision win in his promotional debut in May.

Tatsuro Taira vs. CJ Vergara

Result: Tatsuro Taira def. CJ Vergara via submission (armbar) – Round 2, 4:19
Updated records: Taira (12-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC), Vergara (10-4-1 MMA, 1-2 UFC)
Key stat: Taira has six career submissions; the armbar was his first with that finish as a pro fighter.

Taira on the fight's key moment

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 15: (L-R) Tatsuro Taira of Japan punches CJ Vergara in a flyweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on October 15, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

“I’m really glad I could really show that really aggressive attitude (in the fight). I could hear my corners’ voice, and also my opponent’s breath and every moment. I could actually enjoy this fight.”

Taira on staying unbeaten

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 15: (L-R) CJ Vergara punches Tatsuro Taira of Japan in a flyweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on October 15, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

“I’m relieved. (If I want to) challenge for the title belt, I just can’t lose. I’m released from some pressure.”

Taira on what he wants next

“I want to have multiple fights. I’m 22 when I came to the States. I really feel I’m improving a lot. … I’m not in a rush for getting the title belt, but at least I want to have three (more) fights.”

To hear more from Taira, check out the video of the full post-fight interview below.

Tatsuro Taira full post-fight interview

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 212.

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