Las Vegas, NV — After having the fight pushed back when his opponent fell ill late last month, Japanese flyweight Tatsuro Taira finally made his debut at UFC Vegas 54 on Saturday night.
The undefeated 22-year old prospect put on a dominant performance against Dana White’s Contender Series alum Carlos Candelario, coming close to finishing on several occasions.
“My first thing is, for my debut, I’m really happy I won,” Taira told media outlets including Cageside Press following the fight, speaking via translator. Improving to 11-0 with the win, Taira credited opponent Candelario’s toughness for the fight going the distance.
“I had a couple chances to finish it, but basically [Candelario] was tough, and he just slipped away,” noted Taira. “I just realized that this is my current level, so I’m going to train more, I’ll be stronger, and I’m going to come back again.”
Having spent some time in Las Vegas, Taira explained that his life there has centered on the UFC Performance Institute, and training. Including a trip to Xtreme Couture — though after picking up the win on Saturday, he hopes to do some sightseeing. He’s also got his celebration burger feast planned.
“In-and-out Cheeseburger. Many, many,” said Taira — who was later tipped off to the chain’s “secret menu.”
As for his next fight, he’s hoping to have a crowd for it. “Singapore [next month] is too soon, so maybe not, but I’d like to have an audience next time,” said Taira. “But the Apex was really good, it was really fun. And just like an entry, like going to an elementary school kind of thing.”
If Taira keeps fighting like he did on Saturday, he’ll no doubt graduate and move to the next level soon.
Watch Tatsuro Taira’s full UFC Vegas 54 post-fight media scrum above. More coverage from the event can be found below.
-
Andre Petroski
-
Tatsuro Taira
-
Michael Johnson
-
Virna Jandiroba
-
Allan Nascimento
-
Manuel Torres
