Joshua Van stops Tatsuro Taira in UFC 328 co-main event
Joshua Van put his flyweight title on the line for the first time on Saturday in the UFC 328 co-main event against No. 3 ranked Tatsuro Taira . Van captured the 125-pound championship in December, defeating Alexandre Pantoja after Pantoja suffered an injury.
It wasn't the way "The Fearless" wanted to win the title and was out to leave no doubt that he's the best flyweight in the world. Taira made the walk to the cage inside the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey ranked No. 3.
and riding back-to-back wins. Taira's only career heading into Saturday was via split decision to former title challenger Brandon Royval . Taira connect first with an outside leg kick.
He changed levels and looked to take the champion down. He secured the takedown and immediately advanced to the mount with slightly more than four minutes remaining in the opening round. Van elevated Taira with butterflies but Taira moved to side control.
Van worked his way back to his feet and they separated. Van pressed forward and landed a combination Taira responded with a right hand. Van ichjed forward and landed a stiff jab.