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UFC on ESPN 71: Tatsuro Taira vs Park Hyun-sung Preview & Prediction

by Dan Ahmad · August 1 2025, 15:12
Updated August 1 2025, 15:15
UFC on ESPN 71: Tatsuro Taira vs Park Hyun-sung Preview & Prediction

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Tatsuro Taira vs Park Hyun-sung: Short-notice flyweight looking to spoil the party                              

A compelling flyweight main event is set for this weekend's UFC Apex card as rising Japanese contender Tatsuro Taira takes on undefeated South Korean prospect Park Hyun-sung. With both men boasting well-rounded skill sets and ambitions of climbing the 125-pound rankings, this late-notice match-up could prove pivotal in shaping the division's future.

Tatsuro Taira vs Park Hyun-sung facts

What time are Tatsuro Taira and Park Hyun-sung expected to walk out?

Where is UFC on ESPN: Taira vs Park? UFC Apex, Enterprise, USA

Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN: Taira vs Park? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC on ESPN 71 

What TV channel is UFC on ESPN: Taira vs Park on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+

Where can I stream UFC on ESPN: Taira vs Park? UK – TNT Sports subscribers can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass

UFC on ESPN: Taira vs Park main card

Tatsuro Taira vs Park Hyun-sung (Flyweight)

Mateusz Rebecki vs Chris Duncan (Lightweight)

Elves Brener vs Esteban Ribovics (Lightweight)

Karol Rosa vs Nora Cornolle (Women’s Bantamweight)

Neil Magny vs Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (Welterweight)

Danny Silva vs Kevin Vallejos (Featherweight)

UFC on ESPN: Taira vs Park prelims

Rinya Nakamura vs Nathan Fletcher (Bantamweight)

Rodolfo Vieira vs Tresean Gore (Middleweight)

Nick Klein vs Andrey Pulyaev (Middleweight)

Austin Bashi vs John Yannis (Featherweight)

Piera Rodriguez vs Ketlen Souza (Women’s Strawweight)

Rafael Estevam vs Felipe Bunes (Flyweight)

Tatsuro Taira: Japanese standout aiming to bounce back                                                               

Tatsuro Taira (16-1) has quickly established himself as one of the brightest young talents in the flyweight division. The 25-year-old Japanese fighter enters this bout ranked #6 and is coming off a narrow split decision loss to top contender Brandon Royval in a competitive five-round battle. Prior to that setback, Taira had won six straight in the UFC, including victories over Edgar Chairez and Alex Perez.

Known for his elite Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Taira has seven career submission victories and excels at advancing positions on the ground. He maintains a strong pace, has proven five-round stamina, and thrives when grappling. However, his striking remains fairly average by top-level standards, and he can struggle against opponents with powerful stand-up games and good takedown defence.

Park Hyun-sung: Undefeated Korean talent looking to shock the division                                         

Park Hyun-sung (10-0) steps in on short notice to replace the injured Amir Albazi, but make no mistake — this is no soft replacement. The 29-year-old South Korean is a surging prospect with a 90% finish rate, boasting wins in both of his UFC appearances following success on the 'Road to UFC' series.

Park is as dangerous as he is underrated. He combines crisp boxing and heavy hands with strong wrestling and submission ability, making him one of the most well-rounded rising talents at flyweight. His recent submission win over Carlos Hernandez in May 2025 showed poise and killer instinct, and he’s unlikely to be fazed by the short turnaround.

Tatsuro Taira vs Park Hyun-sung prediction           

On paper, Taira holds the advantage — he’s ranked higher, has main event experience, and benefits from a full training camp. Park, meanwhile, is stepping in on short notice and will be taking a big leap up in competition. However, the stylistic match-up favours Park more than it might appear.

Taira’s preparation was originally geared towards the grappling-heavy Albazi, and Park presents a very different puzzle. He’s powerful, well-rounded, and extremely dangerous on the front foot. If he can keep the fight standing or scramble out of early grappling exchanges, he could take over with pressure and power shots.

This has the feel of a breakout moment. Park Hyun-sung may be the most underrated prospect in the division — and this could be his coming-out party.

Prediction: Park Hyun-sung to win 

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