Taira vs. Park: Can Undefeated Tatsuro Taira Stay Perfect at UFC APEX?

By Ali Hammad August 04, 2025 12:56

The upcoming UFC Fight Night at the UFC Apex on August 2, 2025, features an intriguing flyweight showdown between Tatsuro Taira and Hyun Sung Park, spotlighting Taira’s quest to remain undefeated and ascend further in the UFC’s competitive ranks. Taira, a rising star from Okinawa, Japan, carries a stellar MMA record of 16 wins and 1 loss, embodying a blend of striking precision, submission prowess, and relentless fight IQ that has earned him a #6 flyweight ranking as of mid-2025.

Tatsuro Taira, born January 27, 2000, is notable as the first UFC fighter born in the 2000s to both compete in and win a UFC main event, exemplifying his rapid rise in the sport. This achievement underscores his potential longevity and impact in the promotion. Standing 5'7" with a 70-inch reach, Taira competes at the flyweight limit of 125 pounds and boasts career finishes including 5 knockouts and 7 submissions across his 16 victories.

After a perfect 16-fight win streak, Taira’s undefeated run was halted by Brandon Royval via a narrow split decision in October 2024 at UFC Fight Night 244, a fight that earned Fight of the Night honors and displayed Taira’s toughness and skill at the highest level. Despite this setback, his performances since, including a second-round TKO of Alex Perez in June 2024, where he earned a Performance of the Night bonus, have reaffirmed his elite status in the flyweight division.

In this August 2 bout against Hyun Sung Park, Taira looks to rebound and possibly reclaim unbeaten status, or at the very least continue building his case for a title run. This fight takes place in the UFC Apex, where Taira has shown composure and an ability to execute game plans effectively throughout his UFC tenure.

Statistically, Taira excels with a significant striking accuracy of 60%, landing nearly 3 significant strikes per minute while maintaining defensive solidity, absorbing under 3 strikes per minute himself. His grappling is equally impressive, with a takedown accuracy of 44% and a defense rate of 45%, complemented by an average of 1.64 submission attempts per 15 minutes. This well-rounded style makes him a threat both standing and on the mat.

Taira’s tactical intelligence combined with aggressive finishing instincts has resulted in an average fight time of 11 minutes and 48 seconds, demonstrating efficiency and readiness to end fights early when possible. His ability to secure both KO/TKO and submission wins indicates adaptability, essential in the stacked flyweight division.

Given Taira’s youthful age and upward trajectory, UFC fans and analysts are watching closely to see if he can handle the continued pressure of high-level competition and stay perfect or nearly so at this stage. The fight with Park is key in that narrative, testing Taira’s resilience after his first career loss and revealing whether he can adjust and improve.

In summary, Tatsuro Taira’s flyweight clash against Hyun Sung Park at UFC APEX stands as a pivotal moment. Taira seeks to showcase that he remains a force in the division and can potentially rebound to challenge top contenders and titleholders in the future. With a strong combination of striking, grappling, and fight IQ, plus valuable UFC experience under his belt, Taira’s journey to maintaining or regaining perfection will be a story to watch closely this August.