Adam Williams presents his prediction for the UFC Fight Night 244 fight.
Tatsuro Taira
Tatsuro will look to close and create distance quickly to draw out all of Brandon's prepared attacks. The Japanese fighter will unleash a few explosive crosses and sharp low kicks. He'll try to maintain distance with high kicks but will begin approaching with quick bursts and throwing overhands. Taira will grab Royval by the neck and deliver severe knee strikes, followed by a swift double-leg takedown. From the top, he'll secure a tight grip in an attempt to lock in a submission. If Brandon manages to create space, Tatsuro will rain down sharp elbows.
Brandon Royval
Royval will shower his opponent with unpredictable jabs from various angles. Once he's managed to confuse Taira, he'll deliver a quick hook and a devastating middle kick. Brandon will be ready to meet his opponent's approach with a flying knee. He will also mix light punches with spinning elbows, uppercuts, and kicks at all levels. On the ground, Royval can ensnare Taira with his long legs to either push him away or apply a triangle choke. He will hunt for Tatsuro's neck while slowly standing up. If he ends up on top, he'll throw some ground-and-pound strikes before returning to his feet.
Betting Odds
Bookmakers back the undefeated Japanese fighter, citing his solid chin and considerable physical power. The odds for a Taira win are 3/10.
Brandon has issues with takedown defence and struggles to escape tight ground control, which is Taira's specialty. A bet on a Royval victory is offered at odds of 12/5.
Tatsuro Taira vs Brandon Royval Prediction
Taira is strong enough to grapple Royval. The Japanese fighter is likely to secure at least two or three rounds with ground control, where he also has great chances for a submission win. In stand-up, Taira probably cannot match Brandon's speed and unpredictability, as Brandon is always ready to throw a spinning move or a quick precise jab. We might even witness a knockout victory for Royval in the first round. Taira certainly has a significant wrestling advantage, but his odds seem too low to us. After all, Royval knows many submission manoeuvres and will perform better in stand-up. It's likely the finish will happen before the last rounds, making a total under 3.5 the optimal bet.
