UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van will fight one of the division’s most exciting young contenders in his first title defense later this year.
Despite being weeks removed from his UFC flyweight championship win, titleholder Joshua Van wants to waste little time in booking his first title defense. Van defeated Alexandre Pantoja to win the belt at UFC 323 after Pantoja suffered an injury just minutes into their fight.
Almost immediately after UFC 323, a rematch between Van and Pantoja was assumed to be the most likely next title fight in the division. Pantoja was the reigning champion for years and is regarded by many as one of the greatest flyweights of all time.
Despite Pantoja’s team expressing optimism in a return timeframe, the now-former UFC flyweight champion remains without a specific targeted range for his return to the Octagon. In the meantime, Van will fight one of the division’s most dangerous contenders in his first title defense.
Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira booked, reportedly for UFC 327
In a recent Q&A session at UFC Houston, Van revealed to the crowd that he recently signed to fight Tatsuro Taira (18-1-0) for his next fight. Taira and Van both earned wins at UFC 323 in December, with Taira defeating former champion Brandon Moreno by second-round stoppage.
Taira has bounced back nicely since suffering his first career defeat to Brandon Royval by split decision in October 2024. Before defeating Moreno at UFC 323, Taira defeated Hyun-Sung Park in his second-career UFC main event booking.
Shortly after Van’s announcement, it was reported by Krazy Kev MMA and later confirmed by MMA journalist Marcel Dorff that Van vs. Taira will take place at UFC 327 in Miami. As of this writing, the UFC hasn’t formally announced the Van vs. Taira fight.
What is your early prediction for Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira? Let us know in the comments!
