Tatsuro Taira issues statement following FOTN loss to Brandon Royval at UFC Vegas 98

UFC contender Tatsuro Taira has issued a statement following his dramatic defeat to Brandon Royval last weekend.

Last Saturday night, Tatsuro Taira stepped up to battle it out with Brandon Royval in a blockbuster flyweight main event. The two men were expected to go out there and put on a show, and boy oh boy is that what they did. They tore the house down in a true Fight of the Night contender that only left us wishing more fans had been in attendance to see it.

RELATED: Pros react after Brandon Royval and Tatsuro Taira go to war at UFC Vegas 98

In the end, Royval was given a split decision win over Taira. It was the kind of call that was bound to stir up some controversy, with Taira looking particularly upset after it was read out. Still, the 24-year-old still has his entire career ahead of him in mixed martial arts when you consider his age.

In a humble message on social media, the youngster had the following to say after the bout.

沢山の応援本当にありがとうございました。
そしてアメリカまで来て支えてくれるチームの皆に感謝です。負けてしまい色んな感情が込み上げる中で、必ずUFCのチャンピオンになって、少しでも皆に恩返ししたいと強く感じました。
前を向いて必ず強くなって戻って来ます。

— 平良達郎 (@tatsurotaira) October 13, 2024

Taira issues statement

“Thank you so much for all your support. I’m also grateful to my team for coming to the U.S. and supporting me,” Taira wrote on X (translated from Japanese). “Even though I was overcome with emotion after losing, I felt a strong desire to become UFC champion and give back to everyone, even if just a little. I will look forward and come back stronger.”

Quotes via MMA News

Prior to this fight, Taira had been able to put together an unbeaten 16-0 run in the sport. Now, it’s time for him and his team to go back to the drawing board.

What do you believe should be next for Tatsuro Taira in the Ultimate Fighting Championship? Let us know your thoughts, BJPENN Nation!