Joshua Van is gearing up for his first title defense as the UFC flyweight champion, where he will face Tatsuro Taira at UFC 327 in Miami on April 11. Van, who claimed the championship in an unprecedented 26 seconds during a freak accident at UFC 323 in December, initially anticipated fighting Manel Kape. Despite accepting offers for a matchup against Kape, plans changed when the UFC matched him up with Taira instead.
In a recent interview, Van explained the situation, revealing that he was approached on short notice to step in for a fight following the cancellation of Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes. He accepted the fight immediately, though Kape was unable to commit. Van expressed his eagerness to face Kape, emphasizing that he believed it would have been a more exciting bout. “We were going off on Twitter. I said yes, and I guess something happened on his part. The UFC said Taira,” Van remarked.
As he prepares for Taira, Van recognizes the challenges ahead, acknowledging Taira’s well-rounded skill set. “He’s well-rounded. We all know that I’m a better striker and he’s a better grappler,” Van stated, highlighting the differing strengths between the two fighters.
With the clock ticking down to the fight, fans are eagerly anticipating the action as Van prepares to defend his title against a formidable opponent. The anticipation surrounding this matchup reflects the dynamic nature of the UFC, where unexpected twists can lead to thrilling contests, making the April 11 event one to watch.