Joshua Van vs Tatsuro Taira Prediction & Picks - UFC #328

Prediction published on 5/9/26, 4:38 PM  by Bill Christy | Modified on 5/10/26 at 8:50 AM in MMA Picks

The flyweight title will be up for grabs in the matchup between Joshua Van (16-2-0) and Tatsuro Taira (18-1-0). The last fight prior to the main event could be one that ends up stealing the show for this event.

Joshua Van’s victory over Alexandre Pantoja for the title back in December of last year has been viewed by many as a fluke win. Pantoja went to the post after getting his kick caught by Van, and in that, he broke his arm. It happened just 26 seconds into the fight, and there was no clear side that had the advantage at that point. However, since Pantoja could not continue, Van was awarded the win and the belt. Van has been impressive and has won 6 straight fights, but this latest victory certainly should have an asterisk next to it.

Tatsuro Taira had been tearing through the UFC until he ran into Brandon Royval in late 2024. In that fight, he lost via split decision, but there was some controversy. Many believe the fight could have gone the other way, and the amount of control time by Taira was not rewarded. Since then, he went on to submit HyunSung Park and then finished Brandon Moreno with a flurry of punches.

Van might be motivated by all the naysayers who believe his title win was a fluke and that he is not truly ready for this level. However, that motivation can only take a fighter so far, especially when the opponent is more complete than they are.