LAS VEGAS, NV – OCTOBER 11: (LR) Japanese opponents Brandon Roybal and Tatsuro Taira face off during the UFC Fight Night weigh-in at UFC APEX on October 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Saturday’s UFC Vegas 98 main event was all about chance, at least half of the equation. Undefeated flyweight standout, Hirataro was on the verge of winning the title if he won. Brandon Roybal? He wasn’t as great after his loss to Alexandre Pantoja, but his win over Brandon Moreno earlier this year kept him in the spotlight.
The next title fight, coincidentally announced earlier in the day, will be against Kai Asakura. Pantoja vs. Asakura is the co-headliner of December’s UFC 310, and if both Asakura and Taira win, it will set the stage for an All-Japan final in the near future. And if the UFC clearly chooses to pursue a historic fight.
Early in the main event of UFC Vegas 98, Roybal threw a high kick and then attempted a repeat, only to have his legs caught after about a minute. “Raw Dawg” fought off a subsequent takedown attempt and reset in the center. As the round progressed, Roybal found his range and at one point connected with a one-two from the middle that Taira’s head snapped back. Roybal then landed a kick to the body and followed up with a spinning back elbow that was a glare at best. Still, Taira faced a bit of adversity, but a stumble from Roybal allowed the Japanese star to charge in and ultimately settle the match.
Unable to score a finish at the end of the first round, Heitaro found himself on the back foot in the second round, dragging Royval within a minute. With the body triangle locked in place, he mounted Roybal’s back as the American tried in vain to reverse. Instead, Taira threatened mount and then moved back, temporarily flattening Roybal. There were moments when Roybal seemed to see light at the end of the tunnel, but Taira would regain the upper hand. Taira was performing a grappling clinic, flowing from position to position.
In the third round, Roybal rained down hammer fists as Taira went for a takedown (and took a knee in the effort). Roybal stuffed it with his back to the fence and turned off the cage. Roybal returned to center and landed several clean blows from the top. Suddenly, Taira Taira was lit up and retreated. He dove in to get his foot in and barely had it, but just barely enough. He took Roybal to the fence and it looked like the tables were turning, but Roybal turned around and got things back on track. Exhausted, Taira dived his feet in slow motion, but there was a crack. The referee took a good look, but Taira survived. And Roybal, for reasons unknown, chose to pursue submissions (or simply ground-and-pound) over position. Taira reverses as Roybal goes for an armbar, hits a body triangle and takes the back!
With only seconds left in the third round, Taira goes for a rear naked choke. He came close and didn’t have it.
Hirataro wisely went for a takedown early in the fourth round. He threatened to take the back and dragged Roybal down, which is exactly what he did. A body lock was applied immediately. There were almost four minutes left. Patient and persistent, Tyra moved from back to mount to back, easing Royval in the process. However, it was not decided in the fourth attempt.
Taira was in the driver’s seat again in the fifth round. He put Roybal on his back against the fence, and Roybal tried to do a wall walk. Roybal was at least able to turn things around and was in the driver’s seat after giving up the lead in the fourth round. Taira stands up, but Royval pushes Taira back. However, Taira stood up again and this time they both separated. This was advantageous for Roybal, who had a clear batting advantage. After a few exchanges, Taira went for a takedown, but was met by Royval, who was looking for a strong finish. Taira gets the final takedown, however, but Royval blocks with a guillotine and reverse mounts! Roybal puts on a face crank and ends the round with an armbar hunt!
Official result: Brandon Roybal def. Tatsuro Hira split decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47)
