Tatsuro Taira has a date and an opponent for his UFC debut. The Japanese flyweight will face Carlos Candelario on March 30th.
Taira (10-0) is the Shooto flyweight champion and is undefeated as a pro and an amateur. The 22 year old has beaten some experienced opponents but has never fought outside of Japan before.
Candelario (8-1) was awarded a UFC contract despite losing at Dana White’s Contender Series. It was the first loss of the American’s career
Candelario took that fight at very short notice and afterwards White told him he disagreed with the split decision. As a result he and opponent Victor Altamirano were both awarded UFC contracts.
The card is likely to take place at the Apex Centre in Las Vegas. Antonina Shevchenko and Cortney Casey will go head to head in a flyweight fight that looks set to serve as the headliner.
UFC Fight Night 208, Las Vegas, March 30th
Antonina Shevchenko vs. Cortney Casey (Flyweight)
Gina Mazany vs. Shanna Young (Flyweight)
Daniel da Silva vs. Francisco Figueiredo (Flyweight)
Mike Breeden vs. Natan Levy (Lightweight)
Yohan Lainesse vs. Gabriel Green (Welterweight)
Jessica Penne vs. Luana Pinheiro (Strawweight)
Tatsuro Taira vs. Carlos Candelario (Flyweight)
