Kicking off Saturday’s UFC Vegas 68 card was Japanese standout Tatsuro Taira, who was set to welcome Jesus Aguilar to the octagon.
That was a tough first test for Contender Series winner Aguilar, a flyweight who previously competed for Combate Global. Ultimately, too though of a test.
Aguilar opened the fight with a heavy leg kick dropping Taira. Taira responded with a takedown. He had to fight through a guillotine for a bit but he got out and secured the top position.
Taira was never really in danger with the choke. Once free, Tatsuro Taira would eventually transition into the mount. From there he threw the leg over and rolled to his back for the triangle being super confident. It was tight but Taira attacked the straight armbar and Aguilar was forced to tap. Beautiful finishing sequence for Taira.
Make that 1️⃣3️⃣-0 for the rising star @TatsuroTaira! 👏 #UFCVegas68 pic.twitter.com/3nsFOLHvMW
— UFC (@ufc) February 5, 2023
At just 23 years old, Taira has plenty of time to develop — but he’s already showing out as one of the best prospects in the flyweight division. Saturday’s win over Aguilar saw the Japanese talent maintain his unbeaten record, as he improved to 13-0 on the night.
At least a small step up in competition feels likely for his next outing.
Official Result: Tatsuro Taira def Jesus Aguilar by Submission (armbar), Round 1, 4:20
