Tatsuro Taira has his sights firmly set on ending Joshua Van. The Japanese-born athlete Taira made historical past at UFC 323 on December 6, 2025, turning into the primary fighter to cease Brandon Moreno by end, defeating the previous flyweight champion by way of TKO at 2:24 of the second spherical. The victory advances Taira’s file to 18-1 MMA and 8-1 UFC, positioning him immediately in line to problem Joshua Van, who captured the flyweight title within the evening’s co-main occasion after Alexandre Pantoja sustained an arm damage 26 seconds into their bout.
Tatsuro Taira Plans to End Joshua Van After Historic Brandon Moreno Win
Following the dominant efficiency at T-Cell Enviornment in Las Vegas, Taira appeared on The Ariel Helwani Present to debate his subsequent transfer. When requested about preventing Van, Taira expressed confidence in securing one other title alternative.
“I feel the struggle with Joshua Van might be very thrilling. I’m very curious how good he’s going to be and what he has, as a result of he couldn’t present every little thing in his final struggle. I even have a number of issues that I haven’t been capable of present. In a five-round struggle, I’m positive I’ll have the ability to end at one level,” Taira informed Helwani.
Taira’s path to the title shot got here by decisive motion towards Moreno, who entered the bout with a file of 23-9-2. The Japanese fighter engineered a easy takedown within the second spherical, transitioned to again management with a physique lock, and proceeded to unleash a sequence of strikes that pressured referee Mark Smith to cease the motion. Taira felt the second through the transition.
“Once I did that takedown, the physique lock and the takedown, I already form of began feeling it, however particularly going into the bottom, I felt that he was weak. He didn’t really feel a lot energy for him,” Taira defined.
Van’s path to the title got here in equally unconventional circumstances. The 24-year-old from Myanmar, preventing out of Houston, grew to become the second-youngest UFC champion in historical past when Pantoja tried to regain steadiness following a failed head kick catch by Van. As Pantoja fell backward and tried to publish together with his arm, the limb gave method, leading to a dislocated elbow and rapid TKO.
Despite the injury-plagued title fight, Taira showed respect for Van’s accomplishment. “Seeing Joshua Van through this fight week, I always felt he might do it. I felt he might have something that might make something happen, so I wasn’t surprised in that sense. He’s the first Asian male champion, so why not celebrate? Congratulations,” Taira said during his interview.
Regarding the potential matchup location, Taira expressed willingness to travel or compete in Japan. Van has stated his preference for defending his title in Houston, his adopted home. Taira responded to that challenge by noting his flexibility. “I’m happy to go to Houston as well. That’s nice. Going to the champ’s home. I’m the contender visiting,” he said during his appearance on Helwani’s show.
UFC President Dana White indicated the promotion is exploring dates in April or Could 2025 for the title bout, with curiosity in bringing the occasion to Japan. If scheduled there, it will mark the UFC’s return to Japan since 2017.
