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Tatsuro Taira is set to fight for the flyweight title at UFC 328, which could have significant implications for Japan. The event takes place at the Prudential Center in Newark before the main event featuring Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Tatsuro Taira is fighting for more than just a title at UFC 328 in Newark.
Before the main event between Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev, another title fight will take place at the Prudential Center.
Joshua Van, who won the belt after Alexandre Pantoja’s injury last December, is set to make his first defence of the flyweight championship.
Taira stands in his way. A win could not only keep him on top of the 125-pound division but also help bring the UFC back to Japan.
Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images
Taira earned his shot at the belt after knocking out former champion Brandon Moreno at UFC 323.
The Japanese star is now 18-1 as a pro, having dropped only a close split decision against Brandon Royval inside the Octagon.
His only loss came by split decision to Brandon Royval. Now, as he sits on the edge of history, Taira has more than just a title on the line when he steps into the cage at UFC 328. He’s carrying an entire nation’s hopes with him.
If he does become champion, Dana White says it could lead to the promotion holding an event in Japan for the first time since 2017.
Speaking on CBS Mornings, White said: “It’s been a while since we’ve done a fight in Japan. There’s not a lot of talent coming out of Japan like there was back in the late ’90s, early 2000s.”
“If this kid wins and becomes world champ,” he continued. “We could go do a fight in Japan again.”
Some remain sceptical about White’s comments. Fighters like Dricus du Plessis and Ilia Topuria were expected to bring events to their home countries after winning titles but haven’t yet managed it.
Tatsuro Taira is fighting for the flyweight title, which could elevate Japan's status in the UFC.
Joshua Van is defending the flyweight championship at UFC 328 after winning the belt due to Alexandre Pantoja's injury.
UFC 328 is scheduled to take place at the Prudential Center in Newark before the main event featuring Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev.

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The UFC often relies on host nations covering substantial site fees for international events. If Taira is going to bring an event back home, it may come down to whether Japan is willing to foot that bill.
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