Brandon Moreno vs. Tatsuro Taira: Live round-by-round updates: UFC 323: Brandon Moreno vs. Tatsuro Taira: Live round-by-round updates

The UFC 323 main card features another significant matchup in the flyweight division. Brandon Moreno enters this fight looking like a contender who has steadied himself after a difficult run.

The losses to Alexandre Pantoja and Brandon Royval forced him to regroup. Recent wins over Amir Albazi and Steve Erceg showed a sharper and more settled version of the former champion. The Mexican has not fought a three-rounder in years, so he will need to start quicker and make sure the early rounds do not slip away.

Tatsuro Taira arrives with the confidence of a young contender who has grown with every assignment. His loss to Royval last year exposed a few areas that needed tightening, but it also proved he can stay competitive against elite opposition. His return win over HyunSung Park showed clear decision-making, better pressure, and a clean finishing instinct.

Moreno brings experience, variety, and the ability to create pace shifts that force opponents out of their rhythm. Taira, meanwhile, brings accuracy and patience.

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UFC 323 main card airs on ESPN2 and streams on ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET and 5 p.m. PT. Early prelims stream on UFC Fight Pass and ESPN+ at 6 p.m. ET and 3 p.m. PT.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for full live coverage and play-by-play updates of UFC 323:

Round 1

Taira fires the first heavy shots of the fight, but Moreno drifts just out of range and watches them sail past. Taira times his next entry well and gets in deep, only for Moreno to snap back with a sharp counter and scramble into top position. Taira muscles his way through the transition and tries to work on top, but Moreno clamps down with a tight triangle. They stay locked in, Moreno forcing Taira to grind as he searches for an escape. They spend the round in this position with not much action.

Our Score: 10-9 Moreno

Round 2

Moreno starts with a right hook and a jab. Taira shoots for a takedown, but Moreno sprawls out of position. Moreno is fighting with a low stance and fires overhand rights. Taira shoots for a takedown and gets one in the second attempt. He takes Moreno's back with a smooth transition, and Moreno is fighting off the submission attempt. Taira drops heavy hands on Moreno, and referee Mark Smith steps in to stop the action.

Official Result

Tatsuro Taira defeats Brandon Moreno by TKO at the 2:24 mark of the second round.