UFC Vegas 93: Alex Perez vs. Tatsuro Taira: Live round-by-round updates
A flyweight bout between Alex Perez and Tatsuro Taira will headline UFC Vegas 93. Despite showcasing a lackluster run in recent years, Perez (25-8) secured a second-round KO over Matheus Nicolau in his most recent fight at UFC on ESPN 55 in May.
However, he is 2-3 in his last five. Despite his recent losses coming against some of the best the flyweight division has to offer, the 32-year-old will need a win this weekend to justify his place in the top five of the division.
Taira, on the other hand, is on a dream run. Currently ranked No.13, the undefeated Japanese national is on a five-fight win streak in the UFC. He was last seen in a second-round TKO win against Carlos Hernandez at UFC Fight Night 233 in December.
According to the UFC's official website, the Okinawa native is a -198 favorite over Perez (+164 underdog).
Stick with Sportskeeda as we bring you live coverage a play-by-play updates from UFC Vegas 93.
Watch a faceoff between Alex Perez and Tatsuro Taira below:
UFC Vegas 93: Alex Perez vs. Tatsuro Taira
Round 1:
Taira and Perez both trade leg kicks to open the fight. Taira is circling in an attempt to avoid the power punches of his opponent. The Japanese fighter gets clinched up against the fence.
Taira misses with a straight right hand. Perez unloads a leg kick. Taira answers with a one-two combo. Perez lunges forward with a multi-punch combo which fails to land clean.
The 24-year-old lands multiple knee strikes to the head from a Thai clinch. A straight right-hand lands for Taira. Perez lands a powerful leg kick.
The referee stops the action owing to an eye poke by Taira. Herb Dean warns the fighter about the eye poke. As the fight restarts. A lunging head kick lands for Taira. Perez overpowers his opponent and takes him to the ground. However, the proficient grappler effortlessly regains footing and gets back up.
Round 2:
Perez seems to be committing to low kicks, attempting to compromise his opponent's mobility. As Perez rushes forward with punches, Taira ties him up in a Thai clinch.
The fight is again stopped owing to an eye poke. As the fight restarts, Taira hits his opponent with a crisp one-two. Perez lands a three-punch combo up top. The 32-year-old is still committing to leg kicks.
Perez lands multiple elbows in the clinch. Taira commits to a takedown and gets it. He then effortlessly takes to his opponent's back. Perez is back on his feet but Taira is on his back threatening submissions.
Taira executes a body triangle takedown by leveraging his opponent's left leg. Perez seems to have injured his knee during the fall. The referee stops the fight sensing Perez is unable to continue. The fight is over. Taira is the victor.
Official Result: Tatsuro Taira def. Alex Perez via TKO. (2:55 of Round 2)
Taira calls out the flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja following the win.
Check out Tatsuro Taira being declared the victor below: