Tatsuro Taira is looking to make a statement at UFC 328 to become the new flyweight champion.
Taira is set to take on Joshua Van in the co-main event on Saturday in Newark for the flyweight title. Although Taira is the challenger, he is the betting favorite, and he has full confidence that he won’t just beat Van but will finish him.
“Joshua Van has some pretty impressive boxing skills,” Taira said on UFC 328 Countdown. “The areas where I have the upper hand against Van, I’ve got the jiu-jitsu skill that he doesn’t have. My back control is very strong. Ever since I was a total beginner in BJJ, I loved having back control. My style hasn’t changed; I will still go for the finish. I’ll take down Van, ground and pound knockout, or choke him out. I want to finish in some way and win the belt.”
If Taira can finish Van at UFC 328, it would be a statement win and solidify him as the UFC’s flyweight champion.
Yet, doing so will be easier said than done, as Van has been on a nice roll and has proven he’s a tough out for anyone.
Tatsuro Taira is looking to become the first Japanese UFC champion
If Taira does beat and finish Van, he would become the first Japanese champion in UFC history. It would be quite the achievement, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to Tatsuro’s brother, Ryuichi Taira.
“I absolutely believed Tatsuro possessed more natural talent as a fighter than anyone else. I think that’s why he grew stronger and stronger compared to the rest,” Ryuichi said on the Countdown show.
Tatsuro Taira enters UFC 328 with a record of 18-1 and is coming off a TKO win over Brandon Moreno in December. His lone UFC loss was a split decision loss to Brandon Royval in 2024. He’s 8-1 in the UFC.
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