Tatsuro Taira is one win away from history as he challenges Joshua Van for the UFC flyweight title in the co-main event of UFC 328 this Saturday in Morristown, N.J.
Taira enters the bout with an 18-1 MMA record and an 8-1 mark in the UFC, while champion Van brings a 16-2 MMA record and a 9-1 UFC slate into the matchup. Oddsmakers list Taira as the betting favorite despite him being the challenger.
For Taira, the stakes go beyond the belt. "It's my dream and also Japanese fans'," he said, adding, "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."
Taira aims to become the first Japanese UFC champion after previous title challenges from Kai Asakura, Kyoji Horiguchi, and Yushin Okami came up short. "I must be the person," Taira said.
He also has his sights set on the UFC’s return to Japan, where the promotion last held an event in 2017. "After I win the belt, I want to help bring a big, big UFC event to Japan."
