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Falls to Ross Pearson via decision at UFC 221
Hirota lost to Ross Pearson via unanimous decision (27-30, 27-30, 28-29) at UFC 221 on Saturday in Perth, Australia.
ANALYSIS
The fact the 36-year-old Hirota managed to outland Pearson by a 81-62 count is quite impressive in it's own right, but Pugnus once again just wasn't able to inflict the necessary damage on his opponent to win a fight. The vast majority of Hirota's ten career KO's came early in his career and it's quite clear he is quickly approaching the finish line. Currently riding a 2-fight losing streak, Hirota is looking at a release if he comes up short in his next bout.
The fact the 36-year-old Hirota managed to outland Pearson by a 81-62 count is quite impressive in it's own right, but Pugnus once again just wasn't able to inflict the necessary damage on his opponent to win a fight. The vast majority of Hirota's ten career KO's came early in his career and it's quite clear he is quickly approaching the finish line. Currently riding a 2-fight losing streak, Hirota is looking at a release if he comes up short in his next bout.
To take on Ross Pearson
Hirota will fight Ross Pearson in Australia at UFC 221 on Feb. 11, Peter Carroll of MMAFighting.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Hirota lost his only fight of 2017, a unanimous decision defeat at the hands of Alex Volkanovski in New Zealand this summer. He also failed to make weight -- by four pounds -- prior to his scheduled bout against Charles Rosa in September, which ended with the promotion pulling his name from the card. Pearson enters having lost four straight fights, including a recent loss to Dan Hooker via KO (knee) in June. Both fighters seem to have their best days in the rearview mirror, but each desperately need a victory in February to prove they still have something left.
Hirota lost his only fight of 2017, a unanimous decision defeat at the hands of Alex Volkanovski in New Zealand this summer. He also failed to make weight -- by four pounds -- prior to his scheduled bout against Charles Rosa in September, which ended with the promotion pulling his name from the card. Pearson enters having lost four straight fights, including a recent loss to Dan Hooker via KO (knee) in June. Both fighters seem to have their best days in the rearview mirror, but each desperately need a victory in February to prove they still have something left.
Misses weight for Friday bout
Hirota missed weight for his featherweight matchup against Charles Rosa at UFC Fight Night 117 on Friday in Saitama, Japan, MMAFighting.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Hirota weighed in at 150 pounds - a full four pounds over the featherweight limit. It's not set in stone yet, but it appears the fight will go on as planned, with Hirota surrendering 30 percent of his fight purse to Rosa. Hirota is an even 1-1-1 since entering the UFC, but surely doesn't want to miss out on a change to bring that record about .500 in his native Japan. As of Thursday morning, however, Hirota is roughly a (+150) underdog for the bout.
Hirota weighed in at 150 pounds - a full four pounds over the featherweight limit. It's not set in stone yet, but it appears the fight will go on as planned, with Hirota surrendering 30 percent of his fight purse to Rosa. Hirota is an even 1-1-1 since entering the UFC, but surely doesn't want to miss out on a change to bring that record about .500 in his native Japan. As of Thursday morning, however, Hirota is roughly a (+150) underdog for the bout.
Not competitive in Saturday's loss to Alex Volkanovski
Hirota lost to Alex Volkanovski via unanimous decision (27-30, 27-30, 27-30) at UFC Fight Night 110 on Saturday in Auckland, New Zealand.
ANALYSIS
After picking up a rare win in his last fight, Hirota was right back to his losing ways on Saturday. The 36-year-old no longer possess the foot speed to avoid his opponent's power shots. He was knocked down twice by Volkanovski in this one and his chin was the only reason he lived to see the final bell. Hirota is now 1-6 during his two runs with the UFC and the odds are against him getting another opportunity with the company.
After picking up a rare win in his last fight, Hirota was right back to his losing ways on Saturday. The 36-year-old no longer possess the foot speed to avoid his opponent's power shots. He was knocked down twice by Volkanovski in this one and his chin was the only reason he lived to see the final bell. Hirota is now 1-6 during his two runs with the UFC and the odds are against him getting another opportunity with the company.
Earns first UFC win in six tries Saturday
Hirota defeated Cole Miller via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27) at UFC on FOX 22 on Saturday in Sacramento.
ANALYSIS
Over the course of the 15-minute fight, Hirota landed 165/242 total strikes (69%), 6/7 takedown attempts, and racked up nearly two full rounds (9:56) worth of control time. To say it was a dominant effort would be a vast understatement. Even at age-35, Hirota was able to use his brute strength to outmuscle Miller no matter where the fight took place. It was Hirota's first win in six career UFC fights, which should tell you how terrible Miller looked on Saturday. His upside is non-existent, but at last he can say he has a win while fighting for the best promotion on the planet.
Over the course of the 15-minute fight, Hirota landed 165/242 total strikes (69%), 6/7 takedown attempts, and racked up nearly two full rounds (9:56) worth of control time. To say it was a dominant effort would be a vast understatement. Even at age-35, Hirota was able to use his brute strength to outmuscle Miller no matter where the fight took place. It was Hirota's first win in six career UFC fights, which should tell you how terrible Miller looked on Saturday. His upside is non-existent, but at last he can say he has a win while fighting for the best promotion on the planet.