Tatsuro Taira defeated Hyun Sung Park by submission (neck crank) in the flyweight main event.
By Ali Hammad August 05, 2025 14:12
At UFC Fight Night 108, held on August 2, 2025, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Tatsuro Taira reasserted his status as a top flyweight contender with a commanding submission victory over Hyun Sung Park in the main event. Taira secured a neck crank submission just 1:06 into the second round, bouncing back emphatically from the first loss of his career and demonstrating why he remains a threat to the division’s elite.
From the opening bell, both fighters approached the contest with respect and tactical caution. Park, an undefeated flyweight newcomer to the UFC with a 10-0 record, was stepping in on short notice after the originally scheduled main event opponent for Taira, Amir Albazi, withdrew due to injury. Despite this, Park brought significant momentum and finishing ability, with a string of impressive stoppages in his last seven bouts.
However, it was Taira, a 25-year-old fighter from Okinawa, Japan, who dictated the pace with a blend of striking precision and expert grappling. Early in Round 1, Taira landed two consecutive right hands that visibly staggered Park, dropping him to the mat. From there, Taira maintained control on the ground, probing for position and working toward submission openings as the round wore on. According to MMA analyst Mike Bohn, “Taira displayed poise and calculated aggression, mixing his striking to set up dominant grappling exchanges.”
Round 2 opened with Taira aggressively driving Park to the canvas with a powerful body slam following a sharp jab. Once down, Taira locked a tight body triangle to immobilize Park and rapidly transitioned into the neck crank finish that forced Park to tap out at 1:06. The submission, noted for its rarity at the highest level of competition, showcased Taira’s technical acumen and submission versatility.
“I’m happy, thank you all!” Taira said during his post-fight Octagon interview. Looking ahead, he signaled his intent to continue pushing for the title, commenting, “It’s been ten months since my last fight. Now I’m back strong, and I want the next shot at the champion.” Currently ranked No. 6 in the UFC flyweight division, Taira is positioning himself to challenge champion Alexandre Pantoja, potentially waiting for the outcome of Pantoja’s upcoming defense against Joshua Van to declare his next move.
The win improved Taira’s professional record to 17-1, reaffirming his resilience after a split decision loss to Brandon Royval in October 2024. Meanwhile, Park, despite his loss, remains undefeated officially prior to this contest and demonstrated that he belongs in the UFC’s elite flyweight ranks with his toughness and finishing skills.
This fight stood out not only for its technical execution but also for the seamless way Taira adapted to a last-minute opponent change, a factor that often disrupts game plans. ESPN’s Jessica Plummer praised the main event as “a masterclass in composure under pressure” and highlighted Taira’s ability to end the fight decisively rather than leaving it to the judges.
In statistical terms, Taira outlanded Park significantly in strikes and controlled over 75% of the fight time on the ground, metrics that underscore his dominant performance. His victory also delivered a much-needed momentum boost for a division renowned for its speed and competitive depth.
UFC Fight Night 108 will be remembered as the night Tatsuro Taira re-established himself as a bona fide title contender with a combination of striking precision and submission prowess, elevating the flyweight division’s excitement as the championship picture sharpens.
PR Newswire: "Monster Energy's Tatsuro Taira Defeats Hyun Sung Park at UFC Fight Night in Vegas," Aug 3, 2025
MMA Mania: "Taira Drops, Chokes Park In Flawless Victory," Aug 3, 2025
SuperSport: "Tatsuro Taira uses rare submission to finish Hyun Sung Park," Aug 3, 2025
ESPN MMA Profile: Tatsuro Taira
Yahoo Sports: "UFC Vegas 108 results: Tatsuro Taira gets back on track," Aug 3, 2025
UFC.com: "Main Card Results | UFC Fight Night: Taira vs Park," Aug 3, 2025 At UFC Fight Night 108 on August 2, 2025, Tatsuro Taira delivered a commanding performance in the flyweight main event, defeating Hyun Sung Park via submission with a neck crank just 1:06 into the second round. The fight, held at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, marked a significant rebound for Taira after experiencing his first career loss the previous year, solidifying his status as a top contender in the ultra-competitive flyweight division.
Originally scheduled to face Amir Albazi, Taira’s opponent changed on short notice when Albazi withdrew due to injury. Hyun Sung Park, undefeated at 10-0 before the bout, stepped in, bringing a formidable streak of finishes that included three consecutive UFC stoppages. Despite the last-minute change, Taira controlled the fight with measured aggression and technical precision from the outset.
The match began with both fighters cautious, seeking to gauge distance and openings. Early in the first round, Taira landed two sharp right hands that staggered Park and sent him to the mat. From there, Taira established dominant ground control and methodically worked to improve his position. MMA analyst Mike Bohn observed, “Taira’s striking setup was textbook, allowing seamless transitions into grappling sequences that left Park scrambling.”
In round two, Taira intensified his attack by slamming Park to the canvas and securing a body triangle, a position that immobilized his opponent and paved the way for the decisive submission. Utilizing a rare and brutal neck crank, Taira forced Park to tap at just over one minute into the round. This submission move relatively uncommon at the highest competition levels showcased Taira’s versatility and submission expertise, attributes that have made him a feared finisher in the division.
After the fight, a composed Taira expressed his satisfaction and aspirations: “I’m happy, thank you all! It’s been ten months since my last fight, but I’m back strong.” He set his sights on the division’s championship scene, stating, “I want the next shot, hopefully against the winner of Pantoja versus Van.” Currently ranked sixth in the flyweight division, Taira’s intent to challenge champion Alexandre Pantoja is now widely seen as a logical next step.
Statistically, Taira dominated in both striking and grappling metrics. He outlanded Park clearly, with significant strikes landing and maintaining over 75% control time on the ground. This comprehensive performance highlighted his evolution since the split decision loss to Brandon Royval in October 2024 and reinforced his position as a resilient and dynamic contender.
For Park, despite the loss, the fight was a valuable experience stepping into the UFC spotlight on short notice. His toughness and finishing pedigree were evident, ensuring he remains a serious competitor within the flyweight ranks.
ESPN’s Jessica Plummer praised the main event as “a masterclass in composure and adaptability under pressure,” underscoring Taira’s ability to seamlessly adjust tactics and close the fight decisively rather than risk a drawn-out battle.
UFC Fight Night 108 will be remembered as the night Tatsuro Taira returned emphatically to the win column, blending striking precision with submission mastery to claim a defining victory and sharpen the competitive landscape of the flyweight division.
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