Tatsuro Taira hopes his rising star – and a title – will convey the UFC again to Japan

LAS VEGAS – It’s been a minute for the reason that UFC has been to Japan, however Tatsuro Taira wish to have one thing to say about that.

Taira (16-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) on Saturday fights in a UFC essential occasion for the second time when he headlines UFC battle Night time 244 in opposition to current flyweight title challenger Brandon Royval (16-7 MMA, 6-3 UFC). And he’s obtained loads going for him relating to being a rising star.

At simply 24, he’s nonetheless younger by MMA requirements. However he’s confirmed to be well-rounded with 5 knockouts and 7 submissions in his 16 wins. He has back-to-back finishes, stoppages in 4 of his previous 5, and bonuses in three of these fights.

In a wild coincidence, the final time the UFC was in Japan was the evening after Taira’s closing novice battle. The evening earlier than, he received an novice Shooto match a pair hours down the highway from UFC Battle Night time 117.

Taira thinks an enormous win in opposition to Royval in Saturday’s essential occasion, may very well be simply the factor that helps make the push to get again to his dwelling nation. And who is aware of – perhaps there, he might get a shot in opposition to flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja. Or one step higher, perhaps he might headline a Japan return as champion.

“I positively need to present a big effect. I positively need to present my energy. That’s one thing I need to present on this battle,” Taira stated at Wednesday’s media day on the UFC Apex. “I’m positively targeted on this one, however pondering of title fights, I’ve all the time dreamed and thought concerning the title fights. It’s one thing that I all the time take note of.

“I’d like to have UFC again in Japan, and if I’m the star, I need to be that star to convey that again to Japan.”

Take a look at Taira’s full interview above.

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC Fight Night 244.