Perez v Taira preview & top betting picks | UFC Fight Night

UFC Fight Night: Perez vs Taira at the Apex in Las Vegas features an enthralling matchup between two exciting flyweights. The battle-tested Alex Perez is rebuilding his career after a disappointing stretch and will face the undefeated Tatsuro Taira, who appears to be a future title contender at 125 pounds. Read on for BettingPlanet’s fight preview and top picks.

Perez v Taira main event analysis

Alex Perez vs Tatsuro Taira

Alex Perez (25-8-0) endured a rough patch between 2020 and March 2024 with three straight losses, albeit against elite flyweight competition. The 32-year-old was defeated by former champion Deiveson Figueiredo, current champ Alexandre Pantoja, and Muhammad Mokaev before bouncing back with a much-needed knockout win over Matheus Nicolau in his most recent appearance.

Perez is big for the flyweight division, so weight cuts can be an issue. His fight style relies on relentless pressure, tight combinations, hard calf kicks, and effective takedown entries. He is a strong wrestler but is much less comfortable fighting off his back than when in top position. Despite a long career, his chin remains rock solid and has only failed him once as a professional.

Tatsuro Taira (15-0-0) is a rising prospect and enters this contest as a warm betting favourite with online bookies. He has not faced the same calibre of opponent as Perez, but unbeaten athletes always carry a certain aura of invincibility. The 24-year-old fought thrice in 2023, recording wins over Jesus Santos Aguilar, Edgar Chairez, and Carlos Hernandez.

Taira will enjoy a significant reach advantage, and the Japanese fighter produces some of his best work when working from long range with looping punches. He hits with solid power, but his real skill lies in his ground game, which is world-class. Taira boasts seven wins via submission and has learned to pace himself on the ground, working at his preferred tempo while hunting submission opportunities.

Perez v Taira betting strategy

This is a competitive matchup, as demonstrated by the close lines on the top UFC betting sites. Perez has more power on the feet, but Taira possesses a better ground game. Perez is be the larger athlete, but Taira is better suited from range.

The deciding factor appears to be the submission games. Perez has proven susceptible to takedowns, and Taira may be able to exploit that weakness across five rounds.

This should be an excellent flyweight bout, and an impressive win either way would not be a shock, but we are leaning toward Taira to emerge undefeated.

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