Joshua Van earned his stripes as UFC flyweight champion last night (Sat., May 9, 2026) at UFC 328 LIVE on Paramount+ from inside Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, defending his title for the first time in a wild back-and-forth war with game challenger, Tatsuro Taira, concluding with a brutal fifth-round TKO (punches).
Taira completely dominated the first portion of this fight with constant takedowns and top pressure. Van shined with crisp striking and incredible shot selection, but only when
he had time to operate. Taira was suffocating him with pressure. However, the constant pursuit of the takedown and grappling for position left Taira a little tired. This allowed Van the chance to get back to his feet and drop Taira with a massive right hand as the second round came to a close.
Taira’s shots became telegraphed in the third round as Van began to tee off with jabs, right hands, and a vicious knee inside. Van eventually changed levels and took Taira down where he nearly finished the fight with a rear-naked choke. Taira somehow survived and got back to his feet with blood dripping off his chin. The challenger event went on to score another takedown as well.
After a back-and-forth fourth round, Van went completely bonkers in the fifth and final frame. The champion defended multiple takedown attempts in the row and then landed vicious punches to the body. That softened Taira up for jabs and power right hands to the head. Taira was getting battered along the cage and the referee eventually saw enough. It was a wild stoppage and overall memorable performance by Van.
Check out the video highlights below:
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