UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van is set to make his first title defense against one of the division’s most promising contenders, Tatsuro Taira, later this year. Fresh off his championship victory at UFC 323, where he claimed the title from Alexandre Pantoja following an injury sustained by Pantoja early in the fight, Van is eager to establish his reign.
In the aftermath of UFC 323, many anticipated a rematch between Van and Pantoja, given Pantoja’s long-standing status as a top competitor in the flyweight division and his legacy as a former champion. However, despite optimism from Pantoja’s team regarding his recovery timeline, no specific return date has been confirmed for the former champion.
In the meantime, Joshua Van has chosen to defend his title against Tatsuro Taira, a formidable opponent with a record of 18 wins and just one loss. Taira recently showcased his skills by defeating former champion Brandon Moreno via second-round stoppage at UFC 323. Prior to that victory, he secured a win against Hyun-Sung Park, redeeming himself after a narrow split-decision defeat to Brandon Royval in October 2024.
The matchup between Van and Taira is set for UFC 327 in Miami, following confirmation from sources such as Krazy Kev MMA and MMA journalist Marcel Dorff, although the UFC has yet to make an official announcement.
As anticipation builds for this exciting title fight, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the battle between the reigning champion and the talented contender unfolds. This match has the potential to be a significant highlight in the UFC flyweight division, showcasing both fighters’ skills in what promises to be an enthralling contest.