The UFC returns home to Las Vegas to host a Fight Night from its own UFC Apex facility. Headlining the card is a flyweight scrap between No. 5 ranked flyweight Alex Perez and No. 13 ranked flyweight Tatsuro Taira.
Taira is undefeated in his professional career and is looking for a big win over a top 5 fighter to propel him closer to a title shot. Perez will be looking to earn a back-to-back victory and hang on to his ranking with a win over the young phenom.
Here's what each fighter needs to do in hopes of getting their hand raised on Satruday night.
Alex Perez's keys to victory
Keep him guessing
Perez has several paths to victory in that he's finished opponents standing and on the ground. He needs to keep Taira guessing and not become to predictable. If he can catch Taira going right, which Taira thinks he's going left for example, it could be a quick night for Perez.
Use the legs
One of Perez's biggest assets are his leg kicks. At UFC 250 he finished his opponent with those intense leg kicks and that might be a good path to victory verus Taira.
Stay calm
Depsite having much more UFC experience, Perez is up against a tough competitior on an impressive win streak. He shouldn't let that get into his head. He needs to own the Octagon and stay calm if he gets into trouble. He's been through this before.
Tatsuro Taira's keys to victory
Believe in himself
Taira is undefeated for a reason. If he believes in his skill, trusts his game plan and doesn't try to do anything different, he should be one step closer to securing the win.
Avoid the leg kicks
We think Perez should use his kicks to wear Taira down and Taira needs to be prepared for that. He should avoid the legs at all cost if he hopes to make it to the winner's circle.
Make him panic
Taira could win this fight if he flusters Perez early. Perez doesn't always thrive under pressure so that's what Taira needs to deliver.
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