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. Taira changed levels and put Van on his back. Van used the fence to stand but Taira kept the pressure on and tripped Van to the canvas. He moved to the mount again. Van got to his feet at the bell. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Taira.

Van took the center of the octagon to start the second. He pressed forward. Taira landed his jab and changed levels. They worked for position along the cage. Taira delivered a knee to the body on the break. Van answered with a combination. Taira's hands were really low. Van connected with a clean right hand. Taira ducked under a punch and took Van down. He immediately moved to mount. At the midway mark Taira delivered punches to the body. Van created space with a butterfly guard. Taira remained in top position and moved back to mount. Van bucked his way back to half guard. Taira unable to inflict damage. He peppered Van with short right hands to the body. Van stood. Joe landed a right hand that dropped Taira. Taira was extremely hurt. Van looked to finish but Taira covered up. The round ended. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 of Van.