Despite being weeks away from winning the UFC flyweight championship, defending champion Joshua Van is looking to waste little time booking his first title defense. Van defeated Alexandre Pantoja to win the title at UFC 323 after Pantoja suffered an injury just minutes into their fight.
Almost immediately after UFC 323, it was assumed that a rematch between Van and Pantoja would be the most likely next title fight in the division. Pantoja was the reigning champion for many years and is considered by many to be one of the greatest flyweights of all time.
Despite Pantoja’s team expressing optimism about a return window, 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
During a recent Q&A at UFC Houston, Van revealed to the crowd that he had recently signed to fight Tatsuro Taira (18-1-0) for his next fight. Taira and Van both earned victories at UFC 323 in December, with Taira defeating former champion Brandon Moreno by second-round stoppage.
Taira has bounced back well 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, this was reported by Crazy Cave MMA and later confirmed by MMA journalist Marcel Dorf that From vs. Taira will take place at UFC 327 in Miami. At the time of writing, the UFC has not formally announced the Van vs. Taira fight.
What is your initial prediction for Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira? Let us know in the comments!
#Joshua #Van #rising #flyweight #Alexandre #Pantojas #rematch #put #hold