Tatsuro Taira completed a nine-week training camp in Denver, Colorado, training alongside Justin Gaethje and Cory Sandhagen. Sandhagen praised Taira as one of the key figures to bring the UFC back to Japan, while Gaethje expressed strong confidence in Taira's abilities. Gaethje noted that Taira dominated Brandon Moreno, one of his favorite fighters, in an incredibly dominant fashion and was present at the arena that night. Gaethje stated he has no doubt Taira will defeat the current champion and would bet a lot of money on his training partner.
Japanese flyweight contender Tatsuro Taira has wrapped up a nine-week training camp in Denver, Colorado, where he worked alongside lightweight standout Justin Gaethje and bantamweight contender Cory Sandhagen.
Taira, 26, carries an 18-2 record and is currently ranked fifth in the UFC flyweight division. Fighting out of The Blackbelt Japan, the orthodox grappler brings elite technical credentials to the table, averaging 3.12 takedowns per 15 minutes and landing 60 percent of his significant strikes — an accuracy figure that ranks among the sharpest in the sport. He also averages 1.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes, underlining the constant danger he poses once the fight hits the mat.
Sandhagen, the third-ranked bantamweight at 18-6, was vocal in his praise of the young Japanese fighter, calling Taira one of the key figures capable of bringing the UFC back to Japan. The Denver-based Elevation Fight Team member is himself one of the division's most active strikers, landing 4.86 significant strikes per minute.
Gaethje, who was present at the arena when Taira faced Brandon Moreno, went further in his endorsement. He described Taira's performance that night as incredibly dominant against one of his favorite fighters and stated he has no doubt his training partner will defeat the current flyweight champion, adding that he would bet a significant sum of money on him.
Moreno, ranked second in the flyweight division at 23-10-2, is regarded as one of the most experienced and well-rounded opponents in the weight class, which adds weight to the praise Gaethje directed at Taira's performance.
Why it matters
- Taira at 5 in the flyweight rankings is firmly in title contention, and strong advocacy from established names raises his profile ahead of a potential championship shot.
- A nine-week Denver camp alongside elite-level training partners suggests serious preparation for a high-stakes opponent.
- Sandhagen's remarks about Taira reviving UFC Japan events add a promotional dimension beyond the divisional picture.
