MMA Match Preview: Brandon Moreno (23-8-2) vs. Tatsuro Taira (17-1)
The flyweight division’s next title contender could emerge from the main card of UFC 323 as former two-time champion Brandon “The Assassin Baby” Moreno (23-8-2) battles undefeated phenom Tatsuro “The Best” Taira (17-1) on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Moreno, the 31-year-old Mexican veteran ranked No. 2 in the division, seeks a third crack at UFC gold after rebounding from back-to-back setbacks with dominant five-round decisions over top contenders Amir Albazi and Steve Erceg. His elite boxing volume (3.96 significant strikes landed per minute) and championship pedigree make him a perennial threat, but a first three-round bout since 2020 tests his adaptability against youth. Taira, the 25-year-old Japanese grappling savant ranked No. 5, enters on a six-fight UFC win streak interrupted only by a gritty split-decision loss to Brandon Royval—his lone professional defeat—before a dominant second-round face crank submission of Hyun Sung Park. With 13 finishes (76% rate) and slick back control that rivals Alexandre Pantoja’s, Taira eyes a statement win to force his way into the Top 3 and a potential 2026 title shot. This pivotal three-rounder—poised as a potential Fight of the Night—contrasts Moreno’s pressure-fueled wars against Taira’s calculated transitions, with the victor likely next in line should Pantoja retain against Joshua Van earlier on the card.
Venue Location
The action unfolds at T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada (the Las Vegas Valley), at 3780 South Las Vegas Boulevard. This 20,000-seat arena, opened in 2016 as the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights’ home, has hosted 18 UFC events, including the chaotic UFC 229 (McGregor vs. Khabib) and record PPV sales. Adjacent to the New York-New York Hotel & Casino and the iconic Strip, it’s accessible via Las Vegas Monorail (MGM Grand station) or rideshare drop-offs (Uber/Lyft at Park MGM). Features include a 360-degree LED video board, luxury suites with fighter meet-and-greets, and concessions like “Assassin Baby Burritos” and premium lounges. As the UFC’s final ESPN PPV before the 2026 Paramount+ era, expect a sold-out electric atmosphere of 19,500+; tickets via Ticketmaster start at $175 for main card uppers, with T-Mobile garage parking at $50/event.
Time: 10:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. PT) for main card (Moreno-Taira slated around 11:45 p.m. ET)
Broadcast: ESPN+ PPV (main card, $79.99), ESPN/ESPN+ (prelims at 8:00 p.m. ET), ESPN+ (early prelims at 6:00 p.m. ET). International via UFC Fight Pass; SiriusXM Fight Nation (Ch. 93) for audio.
Injury Report
Both fighters enter fully cleared after Friday weigh-ins at 125 lbs, with no active injuries reported in UFC medicals or media day updates. Moreno’s recent wars (e.g., five-round decisions) have accumulated wear, but he’s recovered from a broken toe (vs. Erceg, March 2025) and minor staph (pre-Albazi, November 2024). Taira’s August submission of Park followed a facial contusion from his Royval loss (resolved by June 2024), with no setbacks since his June TKO win over Alex Perez (opponent’s knee injury).
| Fighter | Status | Recent Injury History | Notes |
| Brandon Moreno | Cleared | Broken toe (Mar. 2025 vs. Erceg; healed); minor staph (Nov. 2024 pre-Albazi; resolved) | Full camp; championship weight cut routine |
| Tatsuro Taira | Cleared | Facial contusion (post-Royval, Oct. 2024; resolved); no 2025 issues | Grappling focus; first arena fight since 2023 |
Fighter Matchups
Moreno’s orthodox boxing (70″ reach parity) pressures Taira’s measured striking, but Taira’s BJJ black belt (1.2 subs/15 min) thrives in transitions. Moreno’s 64% takedown defense meets Taira’s 47% accuracy—expect a blend of volume exchanges and scramble threats.
Striking: Volume Pressure vs. Measured Counters
Moreno’s jab-led combos (3.96 SLpM, 60% defense) overwhelm at range, outlanding Albazi 150-89. Taira’s straight punches (2.87 SLpM, 47% defense) absorb minimally (2.54/min), but lack variety vs. elite boxers. Edge: Moreno—his pace forces errors, projecting 120-80 strike edge.
Grappling: Scrambles vs. Back Control
Taira’s chains (1.0 TD/15 min, 8 subs career) test Moreno’s 64% defense and elite scrambles (stuffed 80% vs. Erceg). Moreno’s 1.51 TD/15 min counters, but Taira’s back takes (vs. Park) loom. Edge: Taira—his 76% finish rate exploits ground time.
Cardio & Durability: Championship Tank vs. Youthful Efficiency
Moreno’s decisions (30% wins, avg. 18:00 time) shine in wars; Taira’s 24% decisions but untested three-round volume (Royval war). Moreno absorbed 195 vs. Royval; Taira took 58 vs. Park. Edge: Moreno—experience edges Taira’s fade risk.
Recent Form
Moreno is 2-1 in 2025, rebounding with five-round UDs: vs. Erceg (Mar., 49-46 x3, Mexico City main event), vs. Albazi (Nov. 2024, 49-46 x3, Edmonton headliner). Pre-2025: Split loss to Royval (Feb. 2024). His 11-4-2 UFC run includes title wins over Figueiredo. Taira is 2-1 in 2025: Sub (face crank) vs. Park (Aug., Rd. 2, 1:06, short-notice main event), TKO (injury) vs. Perez (Jun. 2024, Rd. 2, 2:59). Pre-2025: Split loss to Royval (Oct. 2024, FOTN). 7-1 UFC with 6 finishes.
| Last 5 Fights | Record | Key Win | Key Loss | Notes |
| Moreno | 3-1-0 | W-UD vs. Erceg (Mar. 2025, 5 rds) | L-SD vs. Royval (Feb. 2024) | 75% decisions; 150 strikes landed avg. |
| Taira | 4-1-0 | W-Sub vs. Park (Aug. 2025, Rd. 2) | L-SD vs. Royval (Oct. 2024) | 75% finishes; 1.0 TD/15 min avg. |
Fight History
First meeting—no priors. Moreno’s UFC: 11-4-2, wins over Figueiredo (x2), Kara-France; losses to Pantoja (x3). Taira’s UFC: 7-1, subs over Vergara, Aguilar; TKO over Perez. Common foe: Royval (Moreno 1-1 SD win/loss; Taira 0-1 SD loss).
| Date | Moreno Result | Taira Result | Notes |
| N/A | First meeting | First meeting | Moreno 11-4-2 UFC; Taira 7-1 UFC |
Betting Trends
Moreno is 3-2 SU last 5, 2-3 ATS; public splits (55% on underdog), 4-1 Over in wins. He’s 2-0 SU 2025 as +100 dog. Taira is 4-1 SU last 5, 3-2 ATS; sharps on -130 (60% handle), 3-2 Over. Analogs: Moreno 5-2 vs. -130 faves; Taira 3-0 vs. veterans. Public 52% Taira ML; trends favor Over 2.5 (70% combined decisions).
Trends: Moreno 4/5 Over 2.5; Taira 3/5 Over 2.5. Moreno 2-0 SU 2025; Taira 2-0 SU 2025 (post-loss).
FIGHT ODDS
Brandon Moreno + 110
Tatsuro Taira – 130
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 5, 2025
