UFC 323 showcased an exciting flyweight battle between Brandon Moreno and Tatsuro Taira at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Moreno, holding a record of 23 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws, entered the bout ranked No. 5 in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings. Known as “The Assassin Baby,” he aimed to defend his status while pursuing a chance to become a three-time UFC champion.
Moreno’s Career Highlights
Brandon Moreno has maintained a competitive edge in the flyweight division. Recently, he triumphed over contenders Steve Erceg and Amir Albazi. Despite facing setbacks in earlier matches, including split-decision losses against Brandon Royval and champion Alexandre Pantoja, Moreno’s resilience makes him a formidable opponent.
Tatsuro Taira’s Ascendancy
Tatsuro Taira, a rising star with a record of 17 wins and 1 loss, recently bounced back from his first defeat. He secured victory against Hyun Sung Park, improving his performance inside the UFC octagon to 7 wins against 1 loss. Taira, who turns 25 in January, is seen as a future champion with impressive grappling skills.
Fight Overview
The bout was highly anticipated, pitting the experienced 31-year-old Moreno against the younger Taira. The odds shifted throughout the week, with Moreno entering as an underdog. By fight time, betting odds showed Moreno at -104 and Taira at -122, making it a near toss-up.
Fight Progression
- Taira initiated hard punches while Moreno maintained distance.
- In the first round, they showcased grappling exchanges, with Moreno attempting a tight triangle submission.
- The round concluded with a close scoring, MMA Fighting awarded it 10-9 to Moreno.
- In round two, Taira landed heavier strikes, transitioning to Moreno’s back and delivering ground-and-pound.
The referee stopped the match at 2:24 into the second round, ruling it a TKO victory for Tatsuro Taira. Post-fight, Taira expressed his desire for a title shot, stating, “UFC, please give me the title shot, baby!”
Conclusion
Tatsuro Taira’s victory at UFC 323 underscores his potential as a key player in the flyweight division. With impressive performances and aspirations for the championship, fans can anticipate his future matches. Moreno, despite the setback, remains a respected competitor who has made his mark in the UFC.
