Tatsuro Taira appears to reenter UFC males’s flyweight title rivalry when he goes head-to-head with HyunSung Park in the primary occasion at UFC Battle Night time on Saturday on the UFC Apex in Las Vegas (9 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+, with prelims at 6 p.m. additionally on ESPN/ESPN+).
Taira, ESPN’s No. 7-ranked flyweight, suffered the primary lack of his skilled profession in his final Octagon look, dropping a break up resolution to Brandon Royval in October. Earlier than the loss, he was driving a 16-fight successful streak.
Park, unranked by ESPN, has completed all three of his opponents since making his UFC debut in February 2023. Park earned a UFC contract by successful the “Highway to UFC” match in 2022.
Additionally this weekend, the 2025 PFL championships kick off with the welterweight and featherweight finals. The fights will happen at Boardwalk Corridor in Atlantic Metropolis, New Jersey, on Friday (9 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+, with prelims at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN+).
In the primary occasion, PFL newcomer Thad Jean vies for his first promotional title when he squares off with former Bellator competitor Logan Storley for the welterweight belt. Within the co-main occasion, Jesus Pinedo takes on Movlid Khaybulaev for the featherweight championship.
ESPN MMA analyst and commentator Din Thomas offers his UFC principal occasion prediction, and ESPN betting knowledgeable Ian Parker provides perception on the worth bets out there on each combat playing cards.
Males’s flyweight: Tatsuro Taira vs. HyunSung Park
Prediction: Taira by submission
This matchup will likely be intently contested early, and Park will look good at that time. He is an awesome athlete with stable putting and respectable motion. It is a huge alternative, and he’ll take benefit within the early rounds. Park is an effective fighter, however Taira could also be a particular fighter. And the combat that he had with Royval ought to’ve taught him so much. Taira has a number of the slickest floor method within the UFC. After his first loss, I feel he discovered handle rounds higher and might safe a late end. — Din Thomas
Betting evaluation
Odds correct as of publication. For probably the most up-to-date odds, go to ESPN BET.
Parker: Taira to win by submission or resolution. In a last-minute switch, rising prospect Park steps in for Amir Albazi to combat in the primary occasion. It is a enjoyable matchup between two high-level grapplers. Nevertheless, Taira is extra skilled towards high quality competitors. Which explains why Taira is a close to 3-to-1 favourite. Park has been spectacular, however Taira is best in all places the combat could go. To get higher odds, take Taira to win by submission or resolution.
Parker’s greatest bets on the remainder of the UFC card
0:36
Mateusz Rebecki will get his fifteenth win in a row with TKO
Mateusz Rebecki places on an awesome efficiency with second-round TKO towards Loik Radzhabov.
Light-weight: Mateusz Rebecki vs. Chris Duncan
Over 1.5 rounds (-145). Two teammates are squaring off within the co-main occasion, which might earn combat of the evening honors. Duncan has gained back-to-back fights because the betting underdog and finds himself in an analogous spot right here. I am leaning towards Rebecki on this bout resulting from his power and stable floor management. Nevertheless, Duncan has good submission protection to maintain himself out of hurt’s manner. Take the over 1.5 rounds right here. Except Rebecki will get caught early, count on him to make the most of his wrestling to manage Duncan.
Welterweight: Neil Magny vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos
Dos Santos to win (-210). This line must be wider, as dos Santos has extra paths to victory than Magny. On the ft, dos Santos is unpredictable, however he has a very good floor recreation to fall again on. In the meantime, Magny solely has a cardio benefit in his favor. Magny’s sturdiness has declined through the years, and a matchup towards dos Santos does not bode nicely for him. As a close to 2-to-1 favourite, I am taking the dos Santos moneyline.
Featherweight: Austin Bashi vs. John Yannis
Bashi to win inside the gap. Yannis stepped up on brief discover to make his UFC debut towards Bashi. It is a robust matchup, particularly in your debut. Bashi is a close to 5-to-1 favourite regardless of taking a loss in his UFC debut in January. Search for Bashi to make the most of his wrestling and get this combat to the mat as rapidly as attainable and get it finished inside the gap. Be happy to toss him in your parlay as nicely.
Parker’s greatest bets on the PFL card
0:53
Thad Jean’s vicious punch results in KO victory
Thad Jean drops Mukhamed Berkhamov with a vicious punch and finishes him off with a KO win within the first spherical.
Welterweight championship: Thad Jean vs. Logan Storley
Jean to win (-240). Jean is a rising star for the PFL. He appears to stay undefeated with a win towards Storley. Jean has to maintain this combat standing. On the ft, the putting is not even shut. Jean has the pace and energy benefit. I count on Jean to defend the early onslaught of takedown makes an attempt from Storley and ultimately land a knockout strike.
Featherweight: Jesus Pinedo vs. Movlid Khaybulaev
Pinedo to win (-175). Pinedo’s return to the PFL match has been chaotic and thrilling. He gained each his fights this season by first-round knockout. Khaybulaev has not appeared near the dominant model of himself. I imagine he takes the primary lack of his profession on this matchup. Search for Pinedo to defend the takedowns early and strain Khaybulaev with a ton of strikes, earlier than ultimately touchdown the fight-ending strike.