Like nearly all people who witnessed UFC 306 at Sphere, flyweight contender Tatsuro Taira marveled on the grand presentation celebrating Mexican Independence Day.
Whereas the present value over $20 million to provide, UFC CEO Dana White made it his private mission to placed on an unforgettable reside occasion after the $2.3 billion enviornment that includes huge wraparound LED screens first opened in Las Vegas. Due to the UFC’s contract with MGM, White has stated that the cardboard as Sphere is a “one and executed’ however Taira nonetheless holds out hope that someday he might see the UFC placed on a present there with a love letter to his dwelling nation of Japan.
“That might undoubtedly be a dream, whether or not that’s a title combat or I’m defending my title,” Taira informed MMA Preventing. “Seeing that historical past of Japanese MMA within the Sphere, presenting that may be my dream.”
Contemplating what number of ties martial arts holds again to Japan, it’s powerful to think about that wouldn’t be a spectacular exploration of historical past for the UFC to advertise.
As a lot as he would like to see Japanese fight sports activities get that type of highlight, Taira admits he’d do absolutely anything to get a combat on any UFC card at Sphere.
“It was wonderful, Taira stated. “The entire occasion because the night time itself was so spectacular and wonderful. If they arrive again subsequent 12 months, I undoubtedly need to be on the cardboard.”
First issues first, Taira has to maintain his personal enterprise on Saturday at UFC Vegas 98 when he faces former title challenger Brandon Royval in the principle occasion.
Even supposing nothing has been promised, Taira actually believes a win over a longtime contender like Royval ought to in all probability put him in title competition, particularly since reigning UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja nonetheless doesn’t have an opponent for his subsequent combat but.
“Sure, clearly, I’m hoping for the title combat after this,” Taira stated. “Will probably be an excellent matchup towards Pantoja. After all, centered on this one, get this one after which get Pantoja subsequent.
“First up is that this Royval match in October. If I beat him, I’ll be able to combat any time towards the champ.”
By way of 16 fights in his profession, Taira stays undefeated and he’s at present 6-0 within the UFC with 4 finishes alongside the best way.
He appears to be like to increase that stream to 17 this weekend and whereas some fighters draw back from speaking about an unblemished file, Taira is pleased with his achievement. In reality, Taira hopes to carry unto that undefeated resume throughout his eventual shot at turning into UFC champion.
“I’m very proud that I’m nonetheless undefeated,” Taira stated. “Does it give extra stress? The reply can be sure. However on the identical time, that stress is what introduced me right here. So I do just like the stress and being undefeated.
“Thus far I’ve been undefeated however the course of is principally one after the other. You get this new opponent and also you give attention to that opponent and hold getting the win. That course of has introduced me right here. After all if I can get the title shot as an undefeated fighter and get the championship belt the identical, it could be a dream of all of the followers and fighters, somebody to look as much as. So I undoubtedly look ahead to that.”
On the subject of the Royval combat, Taira was undoubtedly excited when he acquired the decision not solely as a result of profitable ought to put him that a lot nearer to the championship however he is aware of that is the type of opponent that makes issues thrilling.
Royval prides himself on being one of the vital entertaining fighters on the whole UFC roster and Taira is aware of that type of fashion offers him so much to work with.
“Royval, I undoubtedly see him as a finisher,” Taira stated. “I can see from his fights that he’s at all times searching for that second. I believe the opposite factor is his stamina. That’s on the highest degree of the division.
“I used to be very excited. Obtained my final combat towards Alex Perez so now I’m right here to combat the No. 1 ranked [flyweight]. So I’m very excited. “
