Tatsuro Taira has an opportunity this weekend at UFC 328 to make history by becoming the first Japanese UFC champion, should he defeat Joshua Van.
Taira, holding a professional MMA record of 18-1 and a 8-1 record within the UFC, has a notable win rate by stoppage. His recent victory over former champion Brandon Moreno at UFC 323 earned him his shot at the title.
Van secured the flyweight gold on the same night Taira bested Moreno. Now, Taira has the chance to unseat Van and become Japan’s inaugural UFC titleholder.
During media day, Taira expressed his ambition, stating: “It’s my dream, and also the Japanese fans. Japanese fans have been waiting for the UFC belt. I will win and bring the UFC belt back to Japan. I’m ready to seize this opportunity. I must be the person. After I win the belt, I want to help bring a big, big UFC event to Japan.”
Dana White’s Promising Plans for Japan if Taira Wins Championship
UFC President Dana White has made a significant promise contingent on Tatsuro Taira’s success. White indicated to CBS Mornings that if Taira wins the flyweight strap this weekend, the UFC is highly likely to consider hosting another event in Japan in the near future. White stated, “If this kid wins, we could go do a fight in Japan again.”