Preview: UFC Fight Night 218 Prelims

Flyweights

Tatsuro Taira (12-0, 2-0 UFC) vs. Jesus Santos Aguilar (8-1, 0-0 UFC)

ODDS: Taira (-1200), Aguilar (+800)

Taira’s signing in 2022 showed that the UFC was once again getting invested in young Japanese talent, and he has impressed in two Octagon showings thus far. Taira can hold his own as an accurate striker who is probably too patient for his own good, but he shines once things go to the mat. He controlled Carlos Candelario for the better part of 15 minutes and scored a slick armbar finish of C.J. Vergara in October. Those grappling skills have carried Taira to this point, so there is some question as to how he will fare against an opponent who can neutralize those parts of his game. Aguilar is the talent to try and step up to the task. Mexico’s Aguilar came to the UFC via a win on Dana White’s Contender Series in August, when he kept up his usual approach of pursuing his wrestling early and often. While the translation for wrestlers from the Latin American scene to the UFC is not always the best, Aguilar does seem to have the skill to cause some damage while on the UFC roster, even if this does seem like a big ask for a first test. While Aguilar should prove a tough test and able to survive, Taira does seem capable of controlling most of this fight on the ground. The pick is Taira via decision.

Jump To »
Saragih vs. Jubli
Lee vs. Yi
Nakamura vs. Kazama
Park vs. Choi
Kim vs. Bohm
Park vs. Tiuliulin
Taira vs. Aguilar