Tatsuro Taira Bio
Tatsuro Taira is a Japanese professional mixed martial artist competing in the Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born on January 27, 2000, in Naha, Okinawa, Japan, he is recognized as the first fighter born in the 2000s to fight in and win a UFC main event. As of August 5, 2025, Taira is ranked #5 in the UFC flyweight rankings.
Early Life and Background
Taira was born and raised in Naha, Okinawa, Japan. He initially played baseball starting in the third grade but was not deeply passionate about the sport and took a break during junior high school. Influenced by his older brother, who trained in kickboxing at The Palaestra Okinawa gym, Taira began attending the gym in his first year of high school and started training in mixed martial arts under the guidance of Ryota Matsune.
During his amateur career, Taira achieved significant success, winning the 11th Kyushu Amateur Shooto Championship and the 24th All-Japan Amateur Shooto Championship in 2017. He compiled an undefeated amateur record of ten wins before turning professional.
Path to MMA
Taira’s early exposure to martial arts was shaped by his training in kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where he holds a purple belt. His amateur achievements in Shooto laid a strong foundation for his professional career. The transition to professional MMA was marked by his debut in 2018, where he quickly established himself as a promising talent in the flyweight division.
Tatsuro Taira Career
Early Career (2018–2021)
Taira made his professional debut on August 3, 2018, winning by first-round triangle choke in the Shooto Rookie of the Year Tournament. Later that year, he won the flyweight final of the Shooto Newcomer’s Championship Tournament by guillotine choke, earning the rookie champion title and MVP honors. In 2019, he defeated Takahiro Kobori by TKO, showcasing his striking and ground-and-pound skills.
Despite a bout cancellation in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Taira returned to win by unanimous decision against Kiyotaka Shimizu. In 2021, he continued his ascent by submitting Yoshiro Maeda and capturing the Shooto World Flyweight Championship with a first-round triangle choke victory over Tatsuya Fukuda. He also defeated LFN flyweight champion Alfredo Muaiad by rear-naked choke that year.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2022–Present)
Taira signed a multi-fight contract with the UFC in February 2022. His UFC debut was delayed due to an opponent’s withdrawal, but he won his first UFC fight by unanimous decision against Carlos Candelario in May 2022. He followed this with a submission win over C.J. Vergara, earning his first Performance of the Night bonus.
In 2023, Taira secured another Performance of the Night bonus with a first-round submission victory over Jesús Santos Aguilar. He vacated his Shooto Flyweight Championship to focus on his UFC career. After a canceled bout in mid-2023, he won a unanimous decision against Edgar Chairez and knocked out Carlos Hernandez later that year.
In 2024, Taira continued to headline UFC events, winning by technical knockout against Alex Perez due to injury, earning another Performance of the Night award. He experienced his first professional loss by split decision to Brandon Royval but earned his first Fight of the Night award. In 2025, he returned to winning form with a submission victory over Park Hyun-sung and is scheduled to face former two-time UFC Flyweight Champion Brandon Moreno in December 2025.
Driving Style and Strengths
Taira is known for his versatile skill set, combining effective striking with high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu submissions. His ability to finish fights both on the feet and on the ground makes him a formidable opponent in the flyweight division. His purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu underpins his grappling prowess, and his strategic approach to fights has earned him multiple Performance of the Night bonuses.
Notable Events and Milestones
Taira’s career milestones include becoming the first fighter born in the 2000s to win a UFC main event and capturing the Shooto World Flyweight Championship early in his career. His multiple Performance of the Night awards and Fight of the Night recognition highlight his exciting fighting style and impact in the UFC flyweight division.
Tatsuro Taira Career Wins
Taira has compiled an impressive professional record with 17 wins and only one loss. His victories include five wins by knockout, eight by submission, and one by decision, demonstrating his finishing ability across multiple disciplines.
Shooto Highlights
In Shooto, Taira was undefeated, capturing the flyweight rookie champion title and the Shooto World Flyweight Championship. His early career was marked by dominant submission victories and a rapid rise through the ranks.
UFC Highlights
Since joining the UFC, Taira has secured multiple wins, including notable submission finishes and a knockout victory. He has earned several Performance of the Night bonuses and Fight of the Night honors, establishing himself as a top contender in the flyweight division.
Tatsuro Taira Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Taira’s family background are limited, but his older brother’s involvement in kickboxing influenced his early interest in martial arts and MMA training.
Personal Life
Taira resides in Naha, Okinawa, Japan. Public information about his personal life, including marital status or children, is not available.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Tatsuro Taira continued to compete at a high level in the UFC flyweight division. He secured a submission win over Park Hyun-sung and is scheduled to face former two-time UFC Flyweight Champion Brandon Moreno later in the year. Taira’s consistent performances and ability to headline events reflect his growing stature in the sport. His team, The Blackbelt Japan, continues to support his development as he aims for championship contention.