UFC 328: Tatsuro Taira Questions Legitimacy of Joshua Van's Title Win
Tatsuro Taira has publicly contested the validity of Joshua Van's flyweight championship, arguing the 26-second stoppage at UFC 323 resulted from an opponent's dislocated elbow. The challenger insists the upcoming bout at UFC 328 will determine the true champion.
Japanese flyweight Tatsuro Taira has publicly challenged the legitimacy of Joshua Van's UFC title victory, asserting that the outcome of the bout against Alexandre Pantoja was not a true demonstration of skill. Speaking at a media availability in Morristown, Taira argued that Van's win was invalid because it concluded when Pantoja suffered a badly dislocated elbow injury. The challenger maintains that the upcoming co-main event at UFC 328 in Newark will serve as the definitive test to establish who the true champion is.
The controversy stems from Van's performance at UFC 323, where he secured the flyweight title in just 26 seconds. According to the fight details, Van blocked a high kick from Pantoja, held the opponent's leg, and pushed him down. Pantoja outstretched his arm to soften the fall but sustained a dislocation upon impact with the canvas. Despite the severity of the injury, Pantoja did not require surgery and had already begun training for a return when matchmakers selected Taira for the title shot.
Van, who is riding a six-fight win streak following his only UFC loss to Charles Johnson in 2024, expressed frustration at Taira's comments but accepted the challenge. When relayed the challenger's assertion that his victory was not a "real" win, Van responded with a mix of disbelief and resolve. He stated that the two fighters would find out the truth in the ring, noting that Pantoja, a black belt, should have known how to fall properly.
The bout at UFC 328 marks significant milestones for the sport, including the first UFC title fight between two fighters born on the Asian continent and the first time two fighters born in the 2000s will compete for a championship. Taira, a 26-year-old native of Okinawa, aims to become the first UFC champion from his nation. He has rebounded from a split-decision loss to Brandon Royval with two consecutive stoppages, including victories over Park Hyun-sung and former two-time champion Brandon Moreno.
During his recent training camp, Taira sparring with Royval and training with Corey Sandhagen's team in Colorado. He noted that the experience with Royval helped him learn about confidence, cardio, and striking, while Sandhagen's team provided a welcoming environment to improve his skills. Taira stated he is focused on securing a finish from the start of the fight, regardless of Van's perceived strengths in boxing and toughness.
Van, who has been the betting underdog in almost every fight he has entered, dismissed the notion of being an underdog with a laugh. He acknowledged Taira as a good kid but expressed confidence that Saturday night would be a fireworks display. The fight is scheduled to take place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, where Van aims to prove his status and silence the claims regarding his title's legitimacy.
