In an exciting addition to the sporting world, a flyweight clash is set to feature in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s (UFC) card in Shanghai, China, on Dec. 9. Tatsuro Taira, an undefeated Japanese talent, will be facing Carlos Hernandez. This event signifies the Las Vegas-based promotion’s grand return to China after a long hiatus of four years. It’s noteworthy to mention that both fighters have confirmed the pairing via their social media platforms after Eurosport NL initially reported on it.
In his previous fight at UFC 290 in July, Taira emerged dominant and secured a decision win against Edgar Chairez. Despite being originally scheduled to battle against Kleyson Rodrigues at June’s UFC Jacksonville, the match was canceled due to the latter’s inability to make the weight cut by three pounds. Impressively, Taira’s win over Chairez marked his fourth promotional victory in 14 months, inclusive of two submissions.
In contrast, Carlos Hernandez is coming into this fight fresh from a technical decision victory over Denys Bondar in June. The fight saw the American fighter taking Bondar down at the last minute and progressing by landing significant ground and pound action, so much so that it forced the referee’s intervention, with just a second left on the clock. However, it was revealed later that the knockout came as a result of an accidental clash of heads. The match was then decided by the judges’ scorecards, which showed Hernandez to have won by 30-27 (twice) and once by 29-28. This victory was quite a comeback for Hernandez, considering his first UFC defeat against Allan Nascimento, and elevated his promotional record to 2-1. The UFC Shanghai card will also showcase four finale fights from the latest season of “Road to UFC.” However, more details about the main event are yet to be revealed.