Official! Pantoja's conqueror, champion Joshua Van, faces Japanese prospect at UFC 327 in April.

Van promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC

PUBLICITY:

Joshua Van already knows who and when he will make his first flyweight (up to 57 kg) title defense. And, to the dismay of Brazilian fans, Alexandre Pantoja will not be the challenger. The Burmese fighter will face Tatsuro Taira at UFC 327, an event scheduled to take place on April 11th in Miami (USA). The organization itself officially announced the fight during the UFC Houston broadcast.

It's worth noting that Van was already asking the UFC to define his future and give him a fight. In fact, Dana White even considered holding the fight between the flyweight champion and Taira in Japan.

However, the organization changed its plans. The duel will still take place, but it will now be held on American soil. The matchup pits two of the youngest and most talented flyweight fighters against each other. Therefore, the expectation is that the fight will be electrifying.

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Van's feats in MMA

Joshua Van , 24, is the first fighter born in the 2000s and also in Asia to win the UFC belt. And he didn't stop there. The Burmese fighter became the second youngest champion in the company's history. He began his MMA career in 2021 and debuted in the organization in 2023.

In sports, 'The Fearless' built a record of 16 wins and two losses. His main victories were over Alexandre Pantoja and Brandon Royval.

Taira fighters in MMA

Taira promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

PUBLICITY:

Tatsuro Taira , 26, is one of the best MMA fighters in Japan. He began his career in the sport in 2018, debuted in the UFC in 2022, and four years later will be competing for the flyweight title. Currently, he is ranked third in the world.

In this sport, Taira built a record of 18 wins and one loss. His main victories were over Alex Perez and Brandon Moreno.

The 305 is heating up 🌴 @JoshuaVanBT seeks his first title defense against @TatsuroTaira on April 11th!

[ #UFC327 on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/2eruizfcXz

— UFC (@ufc) February 22, 2026

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