Get ready for a flyweight showdown that could shake up the division! Brandon Moreno, the former UFC flyweight champion, is back in action, and this time, he’s facing a rising star who’s hungry for the spotlight. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Moreno’s next opponent is none other than Tatsuro Taira, a 25-year-old contender looking to make a name for himself at UFC 323 on December 6 in Las Vegas. This fight, confirmed by multiple sources and initially reported by MMA Junkie, is set to be a pivotal moment in the flyweight landscape, airing on the final pay-per-view of 2025 from the iconic T-Mobile Arena.
Moreno, a fighter widely regarded as one of the best 125-pounders in the world, has had a rollercoaster journey lately. After back-to-back losses, he rebounded with impressive wins over Steve Erceg and Amir Albazi, reigniting his path toward title contention. However, his road to another shot at the belt isn’t without hurdles. Moreno has fallen to the current champion, Alexandre Pantoja, three times—including an exhibition bout on The Ultimate Fighter. Is Moreno’s history with Pantoja a blessing or a curse? Could this fight against Taira be the stepping stone he needs, or will it be another chapter in his rivalry with the champ? A win in December would undoubtedly strengthen his case, but the question remains: can he break the cycle?
On the other side of the Octagon, Tatsuro Taira is no pushover. After a hard-fought loss to Brandon Royval, Taira bounced back with a victory over Park Hyun-sung in August, improving his record to an impressive 17-1. Now, he’s aiming for the biggest win of his career against a proven champion like Moreno. But here’s the controversial part: Is Taira truly ready for this level of competition, or is he being thrown to the wolves too soon? This fight could either catapult him into title contention or serve as a harsh reality check.
Adding to the excitement, UFC 323 features a flyweight title fight between Pantoja and Joshua Van on the same card, making it a must-watch event for fans of the division. And let’s not forget the main event: a bantamweight title rematch between champion Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan, promising fireworks from start to finish.
So, what’s your take? Can Moreno overcome his Pantoja hurdle and reclaim his spot at the top, or will Taira prove he’s the future of the flyweight division? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
