UFC Champ Joshua Van to Face Rising Flyweight Tatsuro Taira

Rematch with former champ Alexandre Pantoja put on hold as Van defends title at UFC 327

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van will make his first title defense against surging contender Tatsuro Taira at UFC 327 in Miami. The highly anticipated rematch between Van and former champion Alexandre Pantoja has been put on hold as Pantoja continues to recover from an injury sustained in their previous fight.

Why it matters

Van's first title defense will be a crucial test against one of the division's most promising young fighters in Taira, who is coming off an impressive win over former champ Brandon Moreno. The outcome could set the tone for Van's reign atop the flyweight division and determine if he has the skills to fend off the division's top contenders.

The details

Shortly after winning the UFC flyweight title at UFC 323, champion Joshua Van announced that he will defend his belt against Tatsuro Taira (18-1-0) at UFC 327 in Miami. Taira, who defeated former champion Brandon Moreno in his last fight, has emerged as one of the division's most exciting young talents. The highly anticipated rematch between Van and former long-reigning champion Alexandre Pantoja has been put on hold as Pantoja continues to recover from an injury sustained in their previous fight.

  • Van won the UFC flyweight title at UFC 323 in December 2025.
  • Van vs. Taira is scheduled to take place at UFC 327 in Miami.

The players

Joshua Van

The current UFC flyweight champion who won the title by defeating Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 323.

Tatsuro Taira

A rising contender in the UFC flyweight division who is coming off an impressive win over former champion Brandon Moreno.

Alexandre Pantoja

The former long-reigning UFC flyweight champion who suffered an injury in his title fight against Van at UFC 323.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The UFC has not yet officially announced the Van vs. Taira title fight for UFC 327, but the matchup is expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Joshua Van's first title defense against the surging Tatsuro Taira will be a crucial test for the new champion as he looks to establish his reign atop the UFC flyweight division. The outcome could determine if Van has the skills to fend off the division's top contenders or if a new star is about to emerge.