UFC on ESPN: Perez vs Taira delivered compelling flyweight action at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 15, 2024. The event (aka UFC Vegas 93) marked a historic milestone as the 100th event hosted at the UFC APEX facility since the venue opened during the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020. Originally scheduled with 12 fights, the card was reduced to 11 bouts after a massive weight miss forced a cancellation. Undefeated Japanese prospect Tatsuro Taira stole the show with a brutal knee injury-inducing submission of former title challenger Alex Perez, solidifying his status as a future flyweight contender. The card featured consistent action and competitive bouts throughout, with several finishes providing exciting moments for fans.
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UFC on ESPN: Perez vs Taira Main Card Results
Main Event: Alex Perez vs Tatsuro Taira - Flyweight
Winner: Tatsuro Taira (Japan) via TKO (Knee Injury from Body Triangle) at 2:22 of Round 2
In a fight that ended in gruesome fashion, undefeated Japanese prospect Tatsuro Taira remained perfect at 16-0 by forcing former UFC flyweight title challenger Alex Perez to submit due to a devastating knee injury. The finish came when Taira locked in a body triangle while on his back, hyperextending Perez's knee in the process and causing immediate structural damage that forced the stoppage.
Taira, the #13-ranked flyweight entering the bout, took a massive step up in competition against the #5-ranked Perez, who had knocked out Matheus Nicolau just two months earlier at the same venue. The 24-year-old from Japan demonstrated that he was ready for elite-level competition with a performance that showcased both his striking improvements and his world-class grappling.
The first round saw both flyweights begin with calf kicks, testing range and establishing rhythm. Taira swung hard with his right hand, showcasing power that many hadn't seen from him previously. Perez hunted for combinations and targeted the body, looking to slow down the younger fighter with accumulative damage. Taira also worked for the double-collar tie, hunting for knees up the middle—a technique that showed his Muay Thai development.
Perez really wanted to create chaos and engage in a brawl, but Taira's clinch control prevented him from getting too wild. The Japanese fighter started finding a home for his uppercut as well, and both athletes landed hard throughout the opening frame. As Perez found success swinging over the top, the round became increasingly competitive. With short time remaining in the first round, Perez was able to secure a takedown, but he couldn't control Taira for more than a couple of seconds before the round ended.
The second round saw Taira look sharp from the opening bell. He spun Perez around with a calf kick, then found the mark with his right hand and uppercut. When Perez bit down and threw combinations, however, he tended to score as well, keeping the fight competitive and exciting.
At approximately the midway point of the second round, Taira scored his first takedown of the fight. Perez attempted to scramble, but Taira jumped on his back in the process, displaying the opportunistic grappling that has made him such a dangerous prospect. From the body lock position, Taira locked out Perez's leg with a body triangle, controlling the veteran's lower body.
What happened next was difficult to watch. Taira twisted his opponent to the floor while maintaining the body triangle, and in the process, Perez's base leg gave out catastrophically. The American's knee buckled in an unnatural direction, with ligaments clearly compromised. Perez immediately grimaced in pain and the fight was waved off at 2:22 of round two.
While it will take a doctor's diagnosis to confirm the specifics, the injury appeared to involve significant tears to Perez's knee—potentially ACL, MCL, or both. The 32-year-old American was left unable to continue, giving Taira the TKO victory via injury.
The performance was a coming-out party for Taira, who proved he could compete with the flyweight division's elite. For a jiu-jitsu ace, his kickboxing looked quite sharp, and he more than held his own with the hard-hitting Perez in striking exchanges. His ability to transition from standup to grappling seamlessly, then finish a dangerous veteran, showcased the complete skill set that makes him a future title threat.
Post-fight, Taira was respectful but confident, making clear his desire for title contention. The victory earned him a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus and positioned him for a significant ranking jump—likely into the top 10.
For Perez, the injury loss was devastating. The former title challenger, who had been rebuilding his career with recent victories, now faces a lengthy recovery and rehabilitation process. Knee injuries of this severity typically require surgery and 6-12 months of recovery time, potentially putting Perez on the shelf until 2025. At 32 years old, the setback at UFC on ESPN: Perez vs Taira could significantly impact the remainder of his career.
Taira's undefeated record now stands at 16-0 with his UFC mark improving to 6-0. The Japanese prospect has finished four of his six UFC opponents, demonstrating finishing ability to complement his technical superiority. With flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja scheduled to defend against Brandon Royval next, Taira positioned himself as a future challenger with this statement victory.
Lucas Almeida vs Timmy Cuamba - Featherweight
Winner: Lucas Almeida (Brazil) via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Brazilian featherweight Lucas Almeida earned a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Timmy Cuamba of Mozambique in a competitive three-round affair. All three judges scored the bout 29-28 for Almeida, reflecting the close nature of the contest.
The fight featured back-and-forth action with both featherweights having moments of success. Almeida, utilizing his Brazilian jiu-jitsu background, looked to mix striking with grappling threats throughout the 15 minutes. Cuamba, the African fighter looking to make a statement, demonstrated toughness and technical striking ability.
Almeida's consistent output and slight edges in key moments swayed the judges in his favor. The Brazilian's ability to control the pace and land the cleaner strikes in crucial exchanges proved to be the difference on the scorecards.
The victory at UFC Perez vs Taira improved Almeida's record and provided momentum in the competitive featherweight division. For Cuamba, the narrow defeat was disappointing but showed he can compete at the UFC level despite coming up short on this occasion.
Miles Johns vs Douglas Silva de Andrade - Bantamweight
Winner: Miles Johns (United States) via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
American bantamweight Miles Johns earned a clear unanimous decision victory over Brazilian veteran Douglas Silva de Andrade in a bout that was elevated to the co-main event slot after Ikram Aliskerov was pulled to face Robert Whittaker in Saudi Arabia.
The 28-year-old Johns controlled the majority of the fight with his wrestling and grinding style. The Montana native implemented a game plan focused on takedowns and control time, neutralizing de Andrade's striking and preventing the Brazilian from establishing rhythm.
De Andrade, a tough veteran known for his durability and well-rounded skills, found himself unable to keep the fight standing consistently. Johns's wrestling proved superior, with the American securing key takedowns and accumulating control time that influenced the judging.
All three judges favored Johns, with one scoring it a dominant 30-27 while the other two had it 29-28. The victory demonstrated Johns's ability to grind out wins against veteran competition, even if the style didn't produce fireworks for fans.
The win was important for Johns's bantamweight aspirations, improving his UFC record and positioning him for continued opportunities in the stacked 135-pound division. For de Andrade, the loss extended a difficult stretch and raised questions about his future trajectory in the division.
Asu Almabayev vs Jose Johnson - Flyweight
Winner: Asu Almabayev (Kazakhstan) via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Kazakh flyweight Asu Almabayev continued his impressive run at UFC Perez vs Taira with a unanimous decision victory over American Jose Johnson. The judges scored the bout 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28, all in favor of the Kazakh fighter.
Almabayev showcased the technical striking and grappling that has made him one of the most intriguing prospects in the flyweight division. The 31-year-old mixed his attacks effectively, keeping Johnson guessing and unable to establish his own game plan.
Throughout the three rounds, Almabayev controlled the pace and distance, landing the cleaner strikes and winning the grappling exchanges when the fight hit the mat. Johnson showed toughness and moments of success but couldn't string together enough offense to sway the judges.
The victory extended Almabayev's winning streak and improved his UFC record, positioning him closer to the flyweight rankings. With the division wide open beneath champion Alexandre Pantoja, Almabayev is building a case for a ranked opponent in his next outing.
For Johnson, the loss was a setback in his effort to establish himself in the ultra-competitive 125-pound division.
Adam Fugitt vs Josh Quinlan - Welterweight
Winner: Adam Fugitt (United States) via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
In an entertaining welterweight scrap, Adam Fugitt edged Josh Quinlan via split decision after three rounds of back-and-forth action at at UFC Perez vs Taira. Two judges scored it 29-28 for Fugitt while one had it 28-29 for Quinlan, reflecting the competitive nature of the bout.
For all three rounds, the duo stayed in striking range, with Quinlan exhibiting a speed advantage early while Fugitt offered more diversity and greater overall output, especially later in the contest. Neither fighter landed anything with significant knockout power—this was death by a thousand cuts on both sides.
While neither man delivered enough damage to secure a finish, both provided more than enough action to keep fans entertained from start to finish. Fugitt's consistent output and varied attacks in the later rounds appeared to sway two of the three judges in his favor.
The split decision victory improved Fugitt's record and provided momentum at welterweight. For Quinlan, the narrow defeat was frustrating given how close the fight was, but he demonstrated he belongs at the UFC level despite coming up short on the scorecards.
Nate Maness vs Jimmy Flick - Flyweight
Winner: Nate Maness (United States) via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Kentucky's Nate Maness earned a clear unanimous decision victory over submission specialist Jimmy Flick in a flyweight contest. The judges scored it 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28, with Maness controlling the majority of the action across all three rounds at at UFC Perez vs Taira.
Maness, known as "Mayhem," implemented a tactical game plan that neutralized Flick's dangerous grappling. The 31-year-old from Louisville kept the fight at his preferred range and consistently out-landed Flick in striking exchanges.
Flick, a submission ace with multiple UFC finishes on his record, was unable to secure the takedowns necessary to implement his ground game. Maness's takedown defense proved solid, and when the fight did hit the mat briefly, Maness showed enough defensive awareness to avoid danger.
The unanimous decision victory improved Maness's record and demonstrated his ability to neutralize dangerous grapplers with smart game-planning. For Flick, the lopsided loss was disappointing as he was never able to get the fight where he wanted it.
Brady Hiestand vs Garrett Armfield - Bantamweight
Winner: Brady Hiestand (United States) via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Former Ultimate Fighter finalist Brady Hiestand showcased his grappling prowess and trademark resiliency in earning a unanimous decision victory over Garrett Armfield. The judges scored it 29-28, 29-28, and 30-27 for Hiestand, who secured his third straight win.
The fight was dramatic from the start, with Hiestand surviving a gnarly belly-down armbar attempt in the first round that had him in serious danger. Demonstrating the toughness that has defined his career, Hiestand defended the submission and rallied to control the back half of the first round, threatening with a late rear-naked choke attempt of his own.
In the second round, Hiestand was knocked down by Armfield, who appeared poised to capitalize on the advantage. However, Hiestand put his tenacity on full display by immediately tying up Armfield after getting dropped, giving himself time to collect his wits and recover from the heavy shot.
From that point forward, Hiestand took control of the fight with his superior grappling and activity. The 30-year-old demonstrated why he's considered one of the bantamweight division's toughest outs, grinding through adversity to secure the victory.
The performance earned Hiestand a $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus (shared with Armfield) for the entertaining and dramatic nature of the contest. The win extended his streak to three consecutive victories and positioned him for continued advancement in the bantamweight ranks.
For Armfield, the loss at at UFC: Perez vs Taira was disappointing despite his strong moments. The knockdown in the second round wasn't enough to secure victory, and Hiestand's resilience and grappling ultimately proved to be the difference.
UFC on ESPN: Perez vs Taira Preliminary Card Results
Gabriella Fernandes vs Carli Judice - Women's Flyweight
Winner: Gabriella Fernandes (Brazil) via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Brazilian flyweight Gabriella Fernandes edged American Carli Judice via split decision in a competitive women's bout. Two judges scored it 29-28 for Fernandes while one gave it 28-29 to Judice, reflecting the close nature of the contest.
The fight featured three rounds of back-and-forth action with both women having moments of success. Fernandes utilized her striking to control range while Judice looked for opportunities to close distance and implement her game plan.
The split decision indicates how close the fight was, with key moments in each round proving decisive in the judges' eyes. Fernandes's hand was ultimately raised, improving her record and providing momentum in the women's flyweight division.
For Judice, the narrow split decision loss was frustrating, as she was one judge's scorecard away from victory. The American showed she can compete at the UFC level despite coming up short.
Westin Wilson vs Jeka Saragih - Featherweight
Winner: Westin Wilson (United States) via Submission (Armbar) at 1:49 of Round 1
South Carolina's Westin Wilson made quick work of Indonesia's Jeka Saragih with a slick first-round armbar submission. The finish came at 1:49 of the opening round, showcasing Wilson's grappling prowess.
Saragih shot across the cage aggressively at the outset, but Wilson avoided the instant storm and promptly put the Indonesian fighter on the canvas. The American showed excellent transitional grappling, jumping into an arm-in guillotine choke after they returned to their feet.
From the guillotine position, Wilson displayed his submission versatility by transitioning into a triangle choke. When Saragih attempted to slam his way free—a common escape attempt—Wilson added the armbar component to the triangle, creating an inescapable position.
The armbar forced Saragih to tap at 1:49, giving Wilson an impressive first-round submission victory. The performance demonstrated Wilson's high-level grappling and ability to chain submissions together seamlessly.
The victory improved Wilson's record and announced him as a featherweight prospect to watch. For Saragih, the quick submission loss was a harsh welcome to UFC-level grappling, as he was completely outclassed on the mat.
Melquizael Costa vs Shayilan Nuerdanbieke - Featherweight
Winner: Melquizael Costa (Brazil) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) at 1:50 of Round 3
Brazilian featherweight Melquizael Costa rallied from a difficult start to submit China's Shayilan Nuerdanbieke with a rear-naked choke in the third round. The submission came at 1:50 of the final frame after Costa had absorbed takedowns and control time in the first two rounds.
The Chinese grappler Nuerdanbieke was able to dump Costa to the canvas numerous times over the first two rounds, implementing his wrestling-heavy game plan. However, the Brazilian did well to minimize damage and land attacks of his own from bottom position, staying patient and waiting for his opportunity.
In the third round, Costa's defensive grappling and patience paid off. He easily stuffed Nuerdanbieke's first takedown attempt of the round, transitioning smoothly to take the Chinese fighter's back. Working quickly and with precision, Costa clamped onto a rear-naked choke in the center of the Octagon.
The submission was deep and tight, forcing Nuerdanbieke to tap at 1:50. The comeback victory showcased Costa's Brazilian jiu-jitsu expertise and mental toughness, proving he could overcome early adversity to secure a finish when the opportunity presented itself.
The submission victory improved Costa's record and demonstrated his finishing ability. For Nuerdanbieke, the submission loss was frustrating as he had controlled much of the fight before getting caught in the crucial third round.
Josefine Knutsson vs Julia Polastri - Women's Strawweight
Winner: Josefine Knutsson (Sweden) via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Swedish strawweight Josefine Knutsson opened the UFC Vegas 93 card with a competitive unanimous decision victory over Brazil's Julia Polastri. All three judges scored the bout 29-28 for the Swedish fighter.
Knutsson was the more effective striker when the fight remained standing, constantly peppering Polastri with the full complement of her kickboxing tools. The Swedish fighter's technical striking and diverse attack gave her edges in the standup exchanges.
Polastri, a former LFA Women's Strawweight Champion, worked to get the fight to the ground where she could utilize her grappling, but Knutsson's takedown defense and scrambling ability kept much of the action on the feet where she held the advantage.
The three-round contest was competitive throughout, with neither woman dominating but Knutsson doing just enough in each round to sway the judges. All three judges saw it the same way, giving Knutsson the unanimous decision nod.
The victory improved Knutsson's record and provided a successful start to the UFC Vegas 93 card. For Polastri, the decision loss was disappointing as she was unable to implement her grappling game plan sufficiently to win rounds.
Fight Cancellation
Tagir Ulanbekov vs Joshua Van - Flyweight (CANCELLED)
Result: Fight Cancelled Due to Weight Miss
In one of the most egregious weight misses of 2024, Russia's Tagir Ulanbekov came in at a shocking 129.5 pounds for his flyweight bout against Joshua Van—a massive 3.5 pounds over the 126-pound limit (which includes the standard one-pound allowance for non-title fights).
The miss was so significant that the UFC immediately cancelled the bout rather than attempt to salvage it at a catchweight. Van, who successfully made weight at 125.5 pounds, weighed in professionally and was ready to compete, but the size discrepancy was deemed too dangerous to allow the fight to proceed.
The cancellation was particularly devastating for Van, a 23-year-old prospect from Myanmar known as "Fearless." This marked his fourth consecutive fight cancellation in 2024—an extraordinarily unlucky streak for a young fighter trying to build momentum. Van had been riding an eight-fight winning streak and was coming off a second-round knockout victory, but has been unable to actually compete due to circumstances beyond his control.
For Ulanbekov, the weight miss was inexcusable and damaged his professional reputation. The 29-year-old Dagestani fighter, a teammate of Islam Makhachev who trains at American Kickboxing Academy, was riding a two-fight winning streak after finishing Cody Durden at UFC 296. The massive miss—nearly 3% of Van's total body weight—raised serious questions about Ulanbekov's weight-cutting practices and professionalism.
Post-weigh-in, Van posted on Instagram expressing his frustration: "I can't force them to fight." The statement reflected the helplessness of a fighter who prepared for 8-12 weeks only to have the bout cancelled through no fault of his own.
The UFC's decision to outright cancel rather than proceed at a catchweight contrasted with other recent weight miss situations. At UFC 302 just weeks earlier, Andre Lima had weighed in at 130 pounds for his flyweight bout against Mitch Raposo (a 4-pound miss) and that fight proceeded. The inconsistency in how the UFC handles weight misses sparked debate among fans and fighters about what constitutes a cancellation-worthy miss versus a catchweight bout.
Ulanbekov's 3.5-pound miss would later be put into context at UFC Qatar, where Islam Makhachev revealed he had almost thrown in the towel during Ulanbekov's losing effort against Kyoji Horiguchi. Makhachev stated that Ulanbekov's grueling weight cuts were compromising his performance and that the team needed to make decisions about whether he should move to bantamweight permanently.
The cancelled bout was particularly unfortunate as it had been one of the most anticipated fights on the card—a featured prelim bout between two exciting fighters that promised explosive action. Instead, the UFC Vegas 93 card was reduced from 12 fights to 11, disappointing fans who had been looking forward to the matchup.
Notable Moments and Controversies
100th UFC APEX Event: UFC on ESPN: Perez vs Taira marked a historic milestone as the 100th event held at the UFC APEX facility. The venue opened in May 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, initially hosting fights behind closed doors before transitioning to limited ticket sales in July 2021. The APEX has become synonymous with UFC Fight Night events and serves as the promotion's home base for regular weekend cards.
Taira's Breakout Performance: Tatsuro Taira's victory over Alex Perez was the defining moment of UFC Vegas 93. The undefeated Japanese prospect proved he belongs among the flyweight elite with a performance that showcased improvements in his striking to complement his world-class grappling. The gruesome knee injury finish, while unfortunate for Perez, demonstrated Taira's ability to capitalize on positions and finish dangerous veterans.
Massive Weight Miss: Tagir Ulanbekov's 3.5-pound weight miss stands as one of the worst of 2024. Coming in at 129.5 pounds for a flyweight bout is inexcusable at the professional level. The miss cost Joshua Van his fourth consecutive fight in 2024, with the young prospect unable to catch a break despite doing everything right in his own preparation.
Joshua Van's Terrible Luck: The 23-year-old prospect from Myanmar has faced an extraordinarily unlucky 2024, with four consecutive scheduled bouts cancelled. Originally booked to face Tatsuro Taira at UFC 302, Van was rebooked against Ulanbekov for this event only to have that fight cancelled at weigh-ins. The string of cancellations has prevented an exciting prospect from building momentum despite being on an eight-fight winning streak.
Fight Card Shuffles: UFC Vegas 93 underwent multiple changes in the weeks leading up to the event. Originally, Alex Perez was scheduled to face Tagir Ulanbekov in the main event. The promotion then shuffled the card to feature Perez vs. Taira as the headliner while booking Ulanbekov vs. Van. Additionally, Ikram Aliskerov was pulled from his bout against Andre Muniz to serve as a late replacement against Robert Whittaker in Saudi Arabia after Khamzat Chimaev fell ill. These changes elevated Miles Johns vs. Douglas Silva de Andrade to co-main event status.
Injury Finish Raises Questions: The manner in which Taira defeated Perez—with a body triangle that hyperextended the knee—raises interesting questions about submissions that cause injury versus traditional choke or joint-lock submissions. While Taira didn't necessarily target the knee intentionally, the body triangle applied leverage that Perez's leg couldn't handle, resulting in structural damage. It's a rare finish that sits somewhere between a technical submission and an injury stoppage.
Performance Bonuses
The UFC awarded $50,000 bonuses to the following fighters:
Fight of the Night: Brady Hiestand vs Garrett Armfield (dramatic back-and-forth action with submission attempts, knockdowns, and resilient comebacks)
Performance of the Night: Tatsuro Taira (destroying Alex Perez's knee with a body triangle, forcing TKO stoppage to remain undefeated at 16-0)
Performance of the Night: Brady Hiestand (surviving armbar and knockdown to earn third consecutive victory, sharing FOTN honors)
Weight Issues
One fighter catastrophically missed weight at UFC Vegas 93:
Tagir Ulanbekov: Weighed 129.5 pounds for his flyweight bout against Joshua Van (limit: 126 pounds including one-pound allowance). Ulanbekov missed by 3.5 pounds, resulting in the bout being immediately cancelled by the UFC. This marked one of the worst weight misses of 2024 and cost opponent Joshua Van his fourth consecutive fight of the year.
All other fighters on the card made weight successfully, with the main event participants Alex Perez and Tatsuro Taira both hitting 126 pounds on the dot.
Division Implications and Callouts
Flyweight Title Picture: Tatsuro Taira's dominant victory over Alex Perez vaults him into legitimate title contention. The undefeated Japanese prospect should jump into the flyweight top 10, likely around #7 or #8, and is positioned for a bout against a top-five opponent next. With champion Alexandre Pantoja scheduled to face Brandon Royval next, Taira has positioned himself as a future challenger—potentially just one or two more wins away from a title shot. His combination of improving striking and world-class grappling makes him a nightmare matchup for anyone at 125 pounds.
Perez's Uncertain Future: The severity of Alex Perez's knee injury raises serious questions about his career trajectory. Knee injuries requiring surgery typically sideline fighters for 6-12 months, and at 32 years old, Perez faces a challenging recovery and rehabilitation process. The former title challenger had been rebuilding his career, but this setback could significantly impact his championship aspirations. Much will depend on the exact nature of the injury and how well he recovers.
Bantamweight Grinders: Both Miles Johns and Brady Hiestand earned workmanlike victories that improve their standings but don't necessarily generate excitement for title runs. Johns's wrestling-heavy approach and Hiestand's resilience serve them well in securing wins, but both will need more dynamic performances to climb into the top 15 of a stacked bantamweight division.
Flyweight Depth: With Asu Almabayev continuing his winning ways and Nate Maness securing a decision victory, the flyweight division continues to showcase impressive depth. Both fighters are building cases for ranked opponents, contributing to what has become one of the UFC's most exciting and competitive weight classes.
Ulanbekov's Reputation Damaged: Tagir Ulanbekov's massive weight miss has severely damaged his reputation as a professional. The Russian's inability to make flyweight weight raises serious questions about whether he should move to bantamweight permanently. As Islam Makhachev later revealed, Ulanbekov's grueling weight cuts are compromising his performance, and changes need to be made for his health and career longevity.
Looking Forward
UFC Vegas 93 will be remembered primarily for Tatsuro Taira's breakout performance and the gruesome knee injury suffered by Alex Perez. The main event delivered on its promise of determining a new flyweight contender, with Taira proving he belongs among the division's elite despite being just 24 years old.
The card suffered from Tagir Ulanbekov's egregious weight miss, which robbed fans of an anticipated bout and cost Joshua Van another opportunity to compete. The inconsistency in how the UFC handles weight misses—cancelling this fight but allowing Andre Lima's 4-pound miss at UFC 302 to proceed—sparked legitimate questions about protocols and fighter safety standards.
Despite the cancellation reducing the card to 11 fights, UFC Vegas 93 delivered consistent action and competitive bouts. The preliminary card featured several finishes, including Westin Wilson's slick armbar and Melquizael Costa's come-from-behind submission. The main card provided compelling contests even if several went to decision.
Brady Hiestand's resilient performance in surviving early danger to earn a unanimous decision at UFC on ESPN: Perez vs Taira captured the spirit of toughness that defines mixed martial arts. His ability to weather the storm—surviving a dangerous armbar and a knockdown—demonstrated why he's considered one of the bantamweight division's grittiest competitors.
UFC on ESPN: Perez vs Taira was the historic 100th UFC APEX event milestone and underscores how important the facility has become to the UFC's business model. What began as a pandemic-necessitated venue has evolved into the promotional home for Fight Night events, providing a reliable location for weekend cards and developing fighters.
As the flyweight division continues evolving, Tatsuro Taira has announced himself as a legitimate factor in the title picture. His combination of improving striking, elite grappling, and undefeated record makes him one of the most intriguing prospects in any division. With champion Alexandre Pantoja defending against Brandon Royval next, Taira is likely one or two wins away from his own title shot—an impressive trajectory for a fighter who has been professional for just over five years.
For Alex Perez, the road forward is uncertain. The knee injury will require significant recovery time, and at 32, the former title challenger faces questions about whether he can return to championship form. The flyweight division moves quickly, and a year-long layoff could see him fall out of relevance despite his elite skill set.
UFC Vegas 93 successfully crowned a new flyweight contender while providing action-packed fights throughout the card. Though it will be remembered for the Ulanbekov weight miss disaster and Perez's unfortunate injury, the event delivered where it mattered most—in showcasing the future of the flyweight division with Tatsuro Taira's coming-out party.
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