Returning to the familiar confines of The APEX in Las Vegas, UFC Vegas 93 delivered a high-stakes flyweight main event as rising contender Tatsuro Taira took on No. 5 ranked title challenger Alex Perez.
Things got off to a hot start with Perez gaining the upper hand early. As the round progressed, Taira slowly began to take over, but an accidental eye poke halted his momentum. That allowed Perez to reset and score a late takedown in an otherwise close round.
Taira would again poke Perez in the eye in round two, prompting referee Herb Dean to give him a hard warning.