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UFC 328 Highlights! Van Ends Taira In Epic Flyweight Title Fight
TL;DR
Joshua Van successfully defended his UFC flyweight title against Tatsuro Taira at UFC 328, winning by TKO in the fifth round. The fight featured intense back-and-forth action, with Van overcoming early pressure from Taira.
Key points
- Joshua Van defended his UFC flyweight title for the first time
- Van won by TKO in the fifth round
- Tatsuro Taira dominated early with takedowns
- Van's striking improved as the fight progressed
- Event held at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey
Mentioned in this story
Newark, New Jersey
Joshua VanTatsuro TairaUFC 328
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 09: (L-R) Joshua Van of Myanmar punches Tatsuro Taira of Japan in the UFC flyweight championship fight during the UFC 328 event at Prudential Center on May 09, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
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:
JAPAN'S OWN 🇯🇵@TatsuroTaira is making his walk to the Octagon!
[ #UFC328 | LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus ]
Q&A
What was the outcome of the UFC 328 flyweight championship fight?
Joshua Van won the UFC flyweight championship fight against Tatsuro Taira by TKO in the fifth round.
How did Tatsuro Taira perform in the early rounds of the fight?
Tatsuro Taira dominated the early rounds with constant takedowns and top pressure against Joshua Van.
What strategies did Joshua Van use to turn the fight in his favor?
Joshua Van utilized crisp striking and effective shot selection, capitalizing on Taira's fatigue to land significant strikes and secure a TKO.
When and where did UFC 328 take place?
UFC 328 took place on May 9, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
