Tatsuro Taira made an emphatic statement at UFC on ABC 9, submitting the previously undefeated HyunSung Park in Round 2 with a face crank after a dominant performance that saw him nearly finish the fight in the first round. The win brought Taira’s professional record to an impressive 17–1 and further solidified his place as one of the most dangerous and well-rounded grapplers in the flyweight division. Now ranked #5 in the UFC flyweight rankings, Taira continues to develop into a serious title threat at just 25 years old.

The next logical opponent for Taira is former champion and current #2 contender Brandon Moreno. Moreno is coming off two strong bounce-back wins over Amir Albazi and Steve Erceg, following a razor-thin split decision loss to Brandon Royval earlier in the year. With the flyweight title picture currently awaiting a resolution between Alexandre Pantoja and Joshua Van, a fight between Moreno and Taira makes perfect sense as a title eliminator. It would pit a former champ with championship-level experience and elite durability against the division’s most promising young grappler.

Stylistically, the matchup is compelling. Taira’s patient, positional jiu-jitsu game will be tested by Moreno’s scrambling ability and submission defense. On the feet, Moreno’s volume and experience edge would challenge Taira to show continued growth in his striking. For Taira, this is a chance to earn a title shot by taking out a modern flyweight legend. For Moreno, it’s a final step back toward regaining the belt he once held.

The UFC could easily headline a Fight Night or co-main a PPV with this bout, especially with Japanese and Mexican fan bases behind each fighter. It’s the perfect blend of youth vs. experience, grappler vs. all-rounder, and future vs. past.

Last Five Fights – Tatsuro Taira:

1. Win over HyunSung Park – Submission (face crank), UFC on ABC 9 (August 2, 2025)
2. Loss to Brandon Royval – Decision (split), UFC Fight Night (October 12, 2024)
3. Win over Alex Perez – TKO (knee injury), UFC on ESPN (June 15, 2024)
4. Win over Carlos Hernandez – TKO (punches), UFC Fight Night (December 9, 2023)
5. Win over Edgar Chairez – Decision (unanimous), UFC 290 (July 8, 2023)

Last Five Fights – Brandon Moreno:

1. Win over Steve Erceg – Decision (unanimous), UFC on ESPN (March 29, 2025)
2. Win over Amir Albazi – Decision (unanimous), UFC Fight Night (November 2, 2024)
3. Loss to Brandon Royval – Decision (split), UFC Fight Night (February 24, 2024)
4. Loss to Alexandre Pantoja – Decision (split), UFC 290 (July 8, 2023)
5. Win over Deiveson Figueiredo – TKO (doctor stoppage), UFC 283 (January 21, 2023)