The main event of UFC on ESPN 71: Taira vs. Park, taking place on August 2, 2025, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, features an intriguing flyweight showdown between Japanese contender Tatsuro Taira and undefeated South Korean prospect Park Hyun-sung. With Taira ranked #6 in the division and Park making his first UFC main event appearance, this bout could shake up the 125-pound title picture.

Tatsuro Taira

Tatsuro Taira (16–1) has quickly become one of the brightest young talents in the UFC flyweight division. Known for his smooth grappling transitions, excellent positional control, and opportunistic submissions, the Okinawa-born fighter has drawn comparisons to a young Demetrious Johnson. At just 25 years old, he’s already headlined multiple UFC cards and holds the distinction of being the first fighter born in the 2000s to win a UFC main event.

Taira’s lone professional loss came in a razor-close split decision to Brandon Royval in October 2024, a Fight of the Night performance that proved he can hang with elite competition. His bounce-back win over Alex Perez in June 2024 was dominant, ending via TKO after a knee injury forced Perez to retire. While Taira’s striking is improving, his bread-and-butter remains his submission game and scrambling ability.

Tatsuro Taira – Last 5 Fights:

1. Loss vs. Brandon Royval – Decision (Split) – UFC FN, Oct 12, 2024
2. Win vs. Alex Perez – TKO (Knee Injury) – UFC on ESPN, Jun 15, 2024
3. Win vs. Carlos Hernandez – TKO (Punches) – UFC FN, Dec 9, 2023
4. Win vs. Edgar Chairez – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 290, Jul 8, 2023
5. Win vs. Jesús Santos Aguilar – Submission (Triangle Armbar) – UFC FN, Feb 4, 2023

Taira’s composure, high fight IQ, and ability to control opponents on the mat make him a nightmare matchup for anyone without elite takedown defense and scrambling.

Park Hyun-sung

Park Hyun-sung (10–0) arrives in the UFC main event spotlight undefeated and brimming with confidence. The Road to UFC Season 1 flyweight tournament winner has been a finishing machine, with 9 of his 10 wins coming inside the distance. His aggressive striking style blends well with a dangerous rear-naked choke game, making him a dual-threat opponent.

Park has already made waves in the UFC with highlight-reel stoppages over Shannon Ross and Carlos Hernandez. His May 2025 submission over Hernandez showcased his ability to seize openings early and end fights quickly. While his defense on the feet is still developing, Park’s forward pressure and killer instinct make him dangerous from the opening bell.

Park Hyun-sung – Last 5 Fights:

1. Win vs. Carlos Hernandez – Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) – UFC FN, May 17, 2025
2. Win vs. Shannon Ross – TKO (Knee & Punches) – UFC FN, Dec 9, 2023
3. Win vs. Choi Seung-guk – Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) – UFC FN, Feb 4, 2023
4. Win vs. Topnoi Kiwram – Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) – Road to UFC, Oct 23, 2022
5. Win vs. Jeremia Siregar – TKO (Punches) – Road to UFC, Jun 10, 2022

Park’s style thrives in chaos, and he will likely try to force Taira into brawls rather than calculated exchanges.

Matchup Breakdown

Taira’s grappling pedigree is the X-factor in this matchup. If he can establish top position early, he’ll be able to nullify Park’s pressure and hunt for submissions. Park’s best chance lies in keeping the fight standing and punishing Taira during entries, especially with knees and uppercuts.

Cardio could play a role. Taira has proven he can fight hard for five rounds, while Park has never gone past three. The main event format may favor the Japanese contender, especially if the fight hits deep waters.

Taira is more technically sound and experienced against top-level opposition, but Park’s explosiveness and finishing ability make him a live underdog.

Prediction

Expect Park to start aggressively, looking to test Taira’s stand-up and create scrambles. However, Taira’s calm under pressure and superior grappling transitions should allow him to control the action as the fight wears on.

Prediction: Tatsuro Taira def. Park Hyun-sung via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) – Round 4

A win here could push Taira into the conversation for a flyweight title eliminator, while Park, win or lose, cements himself as a rising name in the division.