Tatsuro Taira: 'I have to win the UFC belt for Japan'
Japan has never had a UFC champion. Tatsuro Taira intends to change that at UFC 327.
There's much more than a belt at stake for Tatsuro Taira at UFC 327 . History for his country is on the line. Taira (18-1 MMA, 8-1 UFC) is set to challenge flyweight champion Joshua Van (15-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC) in the co-main event of the April 11 card at Kaseya Center in Miami ( Paramount+ ), and if he wins, will become the first Japanese-born fighter to hold a UFC title.
Others, such as Caol Uno, Yushin Okami, Kyoji Horiguchi, and Hayota Sakurai have tried and failed. But with Taira currently holding the status of betting favorite ahead of the showdown with Van, he might be Japan's best hope yet – and that's not lost on him. "It's a huge dream for Japan," Taira told MMA Junkie Radio.
"I will win this for all the fans in Japan. I have to win the UFC belt for Japan. " Although the oddsmakers have Taira as the favorite , he is entering the fight with an underdog mentality.
The 26-year-old knows Van is a serious opponent, and if he's going to take that title back home, it's going to have to be with some serious force. "He's the hardest opponent I've ever faced because he has strong takedown defense," Taira said. "But I've prepared for any situation.