In a thrilling main event at UFC on ESPN 71, held on August 2, 2025, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, Tatsuro Taira secured a victory over Hyun Sung Park with a second-round submission. Taira, ranked sixth in the flyweight division, showcased his grappling skills by executing a face crank just one minute and six seconds into the second round, marking a significant comeback after his previous split decision loss to Brandon Royval.
The fight began with both competitors feeling each other out, but Taira quickly established dominance. He landed a series of strikes, including a right hand that knocked Park to the canvas. Following this, Taira controlled the fight on the ground, demonstrating his ability to transition between positions effectively. In the second round, Taira’s relentless pressure culminated in a successful takedown, after which he maintained a strong position and ultimately forced Park to submit.
Beyond the main event, the card featured a series of compelling matchups, including a notable performance from Neil Magny, who defeated Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos via TKO in the second round. Magny, a veteran of the octagon, improved his record to 30 wins, while Zaleski dos Santos faced a setback, bringing his record to 25-10-1.
Exciting Undercard Fights Highlight UFC on ESPN 71
The preliminary card also delivered excitement, with Rinya Nakamura securing a quick victory over Nathan Fletcher via TKO just 1:02 into the first round. Nakamura’s victory came as he demonstrated his striking prowess, combining powerful body kicks with effective punches that overwhelmed Fletcher.
In another highlight, Karol Rosa outlasted Nora Cornolle in a competitive bout, winning by unanimous decision. Rosa’s victory was crucial, especially after experiencing a challenging transition to bantamweight. The judges scored the fight 30-27, 29-27, and 29-27, reflecting Rosa’s control throughout the match, which showcased her striking and grappling skills.
The event also featured a highly anticipated clash between Chris Duncan and Mateusz Rebecki. Duncan emerged victorious, winning by unanimous decision after three hard-fought rounds. With this win, Duncan solidified his position as a promising contender, while Rebecki will need to reassess his strategy following this defeat.
Looking Ahead
As UFC on ESPN 71 concludes, attention shifts to future events, including the upcoming UFC on ESPN 72. Fight fans can expect continued action and competition as the organization prepares for its next showdown at the Apex. With fighters like Taira aiming for title contention and veterans seeking to extend their legacies, the MMA landscape promises to remain dynamic and exciting.
This event reaffirmed the UFC’s status as a premier fighting organization, showcasing a blend of established stars and rising talent in a night filled with thrilling matchups and memorable moments.
