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Tatsuro Taira Stops Brandon Moreno in UFC 323 Main Event, First to Finish the Ex-Champ

The Round 2 TKO at 2:24 ended Moreno’s run of decision-only defeats, with the timing of the stoppage drawing dispute.

Overview

  • Taira secured a takedown in the second round and finished with ground strikes at 2:24 to win by TKO at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
  • Moreno, who had never previously been finished in his professional career, protested the referee’s decision in the cage as outlets noted the stoppage was contentious.
  • The result fulfilled Taira’s pre-fight vow to be the first opponent to finish Moreno, a claim he made during media day.
  • Post-fight reports placed Taira at No. 2 in the flyweight rankings and cast him as a leading candidate for a 2026 title shot.
  • Moreno entered off two comeback wins that had restored his contention hopes, but the loss halts that momentum after official weigh-ins of 125 pounds for him and 126 for Taira.