Tatsuro Taira takedown causes Alex Perez damage

Japan’s Tatsuro Taira saved his unbeaten report intact, however an damage to Alex Perez was an anti-climactic end to an thrilling flyweight bout.

Within the UFC on ESPN 58 major occasion on the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Taira (16-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) would see his hand raised after Perez (25-9 MMA, 7-5 UFC) might now not proceed attributable to a knee damage in a takedown sequence. The official time of the stoppage was 2:59 of Spherical 2.

The motion was quick and frequent so long as it lasted, with the flyweights retaining referee Herb Dean mild on his toes.

Taira began the combat working behind a left jab with clear technical hanging, whereas Perez blitzed ahead with mixtures. Taira weathered his opponent’s offense, consuming a number of clear strikes on the chin, constantly fired again instantly. Spherical 1 was intense and constructed anticipation for the way the remainder of the combat would unfold.

Perez continued his ahead blitzing in Spherical 2, making for extra good hanging exchanges early within the body. Taira discovered an entry for a takedown and shortly scrambled take Perez’s again, which might result in the unlucky ending of the combat.

Initially on the mat attempting to find a rear-naked choke, Taira remained firmly connected to Perez’s again as he stood up. Within the heart of the cage, Taira leaned again whereas placing stress on Perez’s legs in an try to get the combat again to the bottom. He was profitable, however Perez’s knee gave out as they went down.

Perez tapped and commenced writhing in ache because the cageside doctor shortly entered to evaluate the state of affairs.

Tatsuro Taira beats Alex Perez through TKO after Perez hurts his leg in spherical 2 #UFCVegas93 pic.twitter.com/V8R2h8Qd1t

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 16, 2024

Taira, 24, one of many brightest rising stars within the flyweight division, stays undefeated and now holds a win over a former title challenger. Whereas he couldn’t anticipate an damage can be the reason for his win, he improved to 6-0 within the UFC, a run that features 4 finishes.

Perez, 32, entered on the heels of a Efficiency of the Evening upset stoppage over Matheus Nicolau in April. Sadly, an damage reduce brief what was a aggressive bout towards Taira.

Up-to-the-minute UFC on ESPN 58 outcomes embrace:

• Tatsuro Taira def. Alex Perez through TKO (knee damage) – Spherical 2, 2:59
• Miles Johns def. Douglas Silva de Andrade through unanimous choice (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
• Lucas Almeida def. Timmy Cuamba through unanimous choice (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Brady Hiestand def. Garrett Armfield through submission (rear-naked choke) – Spherical 3, 1:52
• Asu Almabayev def. Jose Johnson through unanimous choice (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Adam Fugitt def. Josh Quinlan through cut up choice (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
• Nate Maness def. Jimmy Flick through unanimous choice (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
• Gabriella Fernandes def. Carli Judice through cut up choice (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
• Westin Wilson def. Jeka Saragih through submission (armbar) – Spherical 1, 1:49
• Melquizael Costa def. Shayilan Nuerdanbieke through submission (rear-naked choke) – Spherical 3, 1:50
• Josefine Knutsson def. Julia Polastri through unanimous choice (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC on ESPN 58.