Joshua Van was set to defend his flyweight title at UFC 327 but withdrew due to an injury. Rescheduled, he is now facing Tatsuro Taira in the co-main event of UFC 328. Despite feeling ready to fight last month, Van's coaches advised him to recover fully before stepping into the octagon. He revealed he would have taken the fight, but his team prioritized his health. This matchup will also help determine if Van's title win, marked by a controversial dislocation injury to his opponent, was legitimate.

By the Numbers
  • Joshua Van won the flyweight title in just 26 seconds at UFC 323.
  • Van's previous fight ended with Alexandre Pantoja dislocating his elbow.
Yes, But

Some fans have voiced concerns over the legitimacy of Van's title win, labeling it as lucky due to the way it ended. This perspective is compounded by Pantoja's upcoming return and the call for a title rematch.

State of Play
  • Van is recovering from a minor injury before his fight with Taira at UFC 328.
  • Taira has expressed belief that Van's title win was premature due to the injury circumstances surrounding his victory.
What's Next

Following UFC 328, the winner between Van and Taira may face Alexandre Pantoja, who is targeting a return in mid-2026. This upcoming matchup will significantly shape the flyweight division.

Bottom Line

The outcome of UFC 328 will not only validate Joshua Van's championship but also set the stage for significant future title implications within the flyweight division, including potential rematches and rivalries.