UFC 328 results: Joshua Van stops Tatsuro Taira for hard-fought stoppage win in flyweight title defense

— UFC (@ufc) May 10, 2026

After the fighters went back to their feet, Van scored a big knockdown with a right hand and attempted to drop big shots before the horn sounded to end the second round.

Taira still looked rocked coming out of the corner for Round 3 and Van took advantage with sharp punches as Taira was suddenly fighting off the back foot. Taira shot for takedowns from too far out, making it easy for Van to defend and go right back to his pinpoint boxing.

After another takedown attempt, Van landed a big knee, hurting and bloodying Taira.

A sudden jab from Van resulted in a delayed knockdown as Taira's legs betrayed him. Van followed up with another flurry and a takedown, immediately taking the back and working for a rear-naked choke. Taira somehow survived the position and ended up back on his feet. Despite the accumulation of punishment, Taira ended the round with another big takedown, landing in side control.

Somehow, Taira continued to bring the attack in the fourth round, immediately putting Van on his back and again working to full mount. This time, Van seemed to have less energy to explode out of the bad position. When Van finally attempted to explode, he was nearly caught by a Taira triangle choke in transition.

The momentum continued to swing as Van again was able to connect with clean shots as the fight went back to standing, forcing Taira onto the defensive once again.

With the fight potentially hanging in the balance in the final round, Van opened up with big strikes. While Taira attempted to secure another takedown, Van cracked with heavy shots, eventually sending Taira reeling. As Van followed up with more big shots, the referee jumped in to halt the fight.

The official time of the stoppage was 1:32 of Round 5.

"I said I was going to finish him inside three rounds, and I almost did, but he's a tough motherf---er," Van said of his hard-fought victory. "As soon as I went to the body, it was over."

Van's next title challenge is expected to be a rematch with Pantoja, who suffered an arm injury in their title win. Van had no problem with the idea of a rematch.

"Pantoja, you better get your shit right," Van said. "We can run it back if you want."