Japanese professional mixed martial athlete Tatsuro Taira is all of 24, but is taking rapid strides in the UFC universe. With a win-loss-draw ratio of 16-0-0, he is the ‘first and only fighter to date born in the 2000s to fight in and win a UFC main event’. Currently ranked #5 in the UFC flyweight rankings, young Taira is aiming for UFC glory. Ahead of his fight with Brandon Royval, Taira chatted with The Telegraph from High Altitude Martial Arts in Denver, Colorado, on his approach to the sport, his pastimes and more.
You have a notable achievement as the first and only fighter to date born in the 2000s to fight in and win a UFC main event. To achieve the elite level in MMA that you are today, you must have been an athlete since you were very young. What sports have you been involved in?
I started playing baseball at the age of 10 and continued till the age of 15. By then, my older brother brought me to the MMA gym and that’s where I saw what MMA was and nine years from then, I am here.
What drew you towards mixed martial arts?
When I first joined the MMA gym, I met Ryota Matsune, the coach, who is actually my coach at this time as well. When I was playing baseball, I had a very scary coach. I always used to be scared of that coach. Going into MMA, I was thinking MMA coaches should be even stricter... and then I met this guy, coach Matsune, such a nice person. I loved taking his class and that’s how I fell in love with MMA.
What inspired you to leave university and pursue MMA full-time? Did you have a specific moment that made you realise this was your path?
When I was in university, I started fighting professionally and once I became judo champ, I thought I could do this for a living. I went to my parents and told them that I wanted to leave university and focus on MMA.
Coming from Okinawa, a region that’s not typically known for big MMA teams and developing famous fighters (like Tokyo does), how did you develop your training and approach to the competition?
When I joined the gym, back then there wasn’t any professional fighter in Matsune sir’s gym, but by now there are a lot of professional fighters doing professional training and in The Blackbelt Japan Gym, we now have an Octagon (The UFC Octagon is an octagonal fenced-in competition mat) inside the gym.
You have moved all the way to the US to prepare for this fight. That is a big sacrifice. What other sacrifices have you made in your personal life to achieve this level of success?
Compared to others of the same age, I would say, I don’t party as much and I don’t go out as much. I’d rather be training and this is what I like to do and this is my love. So, I am not feeling that I am making so much sacrifice.
Being ranked in the top 10 at just 24 is an impressive feat. What do you think sets you apart from other athletes who have been in the sport longer?
I don’t have a specific background like karate or boxing. I am more the rounded type of fighter. I always create a plan specific to the fight. I try to be smart in preparing for the fight. I think that makes me different.
How do you handle the pressure that comes with being labelled a ‘phenom’ at such a young age? Have there been moments where you felt overwhelmed, and how did you cope? How has it changed your perspective about how you see life?
On the pressure part, it’s a win or lose thing. I sometimes think of ‘what if’ kinds of things, but I love MMA and I am so glad that I was able to pursue this sport. I think this is the best sport for me. It gives me a full-time focus that I can always be in love with. In terms of what hasn’t changed in my life, of course the training is never easy. A few years ago, I was actually thinking of not continuing for too long and rather retiring earlier, but now I don’t feel that way. I really want to continue with the sports and keep getting better and becoming a better fighter.
Looking ahead to your upcoming fight, how do you feel about your opponent, Brandon Royval, who is a former title contender and possibly the toughest opponent of your career?
Brandon Royval is very aggressive and a very good fighter, but I really want to show the fans and everyone in MMA that there is a new challenger in this flyweight champion contention. I want to get a big win and show it to all the fans.
When you are in training camp for a fight, your time is fully booked. How do you relax and get balance in those intense periods?
I like watching Netflix. I have watched Tokyo Swindlers, season one, and thinking of what to watch next. At the moment, I am watching a lot of anime.
And when you don’t have a fight to train for, what are your hobbies?
I think anime is definitely a hobby and enjoying good food.
What advice would you give to other young athletes from India who aspire to become elite MMA athletes?
Yes, I am happy to be representing Asia. I think in general, a lot of great Asian fighters are coming out. To those who are working hard, I would say believe in yourself and work hard everyday. You will get to somewhere where you want to be.
Who is your idol or hero in life?
I want to meet Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese baseball player, playing the Majors (Major League Baseball) in the United States. (I like) Jackie Chan.
What do you think is the mindset of a champion?
I have to become a champion to see (what it takes), but by champion, I mean the world’s best. My dream is to definitely become the UFC champion and keep defending it to a point where everyone thinks that I am the world’s best fighter. Once I get there, I should have the pride of being the best fighter in the world.
Watch UFC Fight Night - Royval vs Taira LIVE on Sony Sports Ten 2 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu) on October 13, 2024 from 4.30am. Sony Sports Network is the official broadcaster of UFC in India