The mixed martial arts community is buzzing following the co-main event clash at UFC 328 between Joshua Van and Tatsuro Taira.

In the flyweight title bout, Taira initially showed strength in the first round, successfully taking Van down. However, Van shifted the momentum in the second round, coming close to finishing the fight, only for Taira to secure another takedown amidst adversity.

Rounds three and four followed a similar pattern, with Taira persistently seeking takedowns while Van showcased superior striking, effectively defending takedowns and maintaining a clear advantage on the feet. Taira struggled to counter Van’s striking prowess.

In the final round, after Van began landing significant strikes, the referee stepped in to stop the fight, saving Taira from further punishment. Van secured a TKO victory at 1:32 of the fifth round, marking his first successful title defense.

Post-fight, Van issued a challenge to Alexandre Pantoja for a rematch, aiming to settle unfinished business.

MMA World Reacts to Joshua Van’s Fearless Performance at UFC 328

Prominent figures in the MMA world shared their thoughts on Van’s dominant display:

Belal Muhammad described Van as a “monster,” acknowledging his impressive performance.

Ryan Garcia commented on Van’s superior striking, noting that Taira’s takedowns made the fight difficult to watch.

Manel Kape suggested Taira was not a five-round fighter and praised Van’s preparation.

Jiri Prochazka commended both fighters, congratulating Van on his strong takedown defense and victory.

Henry Cejudo highlighted Van’s “elite” boxing, which improved throughout the fight, and expressed anticipation for a Van vs. Pantoja rematch.

Other notable reactions included:

• Derek Brunson noted Van’s composure and ability to get the job done.
• Kevin Holland expressed pride in Van’s performance.
• Brian Ortega described the fight as an “amazing war.”
• Dillon Danis, however, criticized the referee’s stoppage in the final round of the title fight.
• THE MMA GURU hailed it as an “all-time great flyweight title fight” but also criticized the referee’s late stoppage.

English Translation:

MMA World Stunned as Joshua Van Dominates Tatsuro Taira at UFC 328

The mixed martial arts world has reacted to the UFC 328 co-main event between Joshua Van and Tatsuro Taira. In the flyweight title bout, the challenger initially had a strong first round, managing to take down Van with ease. However, in the second round, Van turned the tide in his favor and nearly secured a finish. Taira, after overcoming significant adversity, managed to score another takedown.

Rounds three and four followed a similar pattern, with Taira hunting for takedowns and Van out-striking the Japanese fighter, stuffing takedowns, and consistently being the sharper fighter on the feet. Taira had no answer to Van’s striking. In the final frame, after Joshua Van began landing powerful shots, the referee decided to stop the fight to save Taira from further punishment.

Van won by TKO at the 1:32 mark of Round 5, registering his first successful title defense. After the fight, he called out Alexandre Pantoja for a rematch to settle their unfinished business.

MMA World Reacts to Joshua Van’s Fearless Performance at UFC 328

Belal Muhammad posted on X:

“Man, Van’s a monster, there goes that performance you guys wanted.”

Ryan Garcia wrote:

“Van has way better hands, then Taira takes him down and it gets unbearable to watch.”

Manel Kape added:

“Taira is not a 5-round fighter. He’s about to get smoked badly. My son Joshua did his homework. #ufc328”

Jiri Prochazka posted on X:

“Great performance both, Van and Taira. Big congrats to Van, to keep strong defending takedowns and take a WIN.”

Henry Cejudo added:

“What a job by Joshua Van. His boxing was ELITE and only got better as the fight went on. Van vs. Pantoja 2!! Can’t wait! #UFC328.”

Check out some more reactions below:

• Derek Brunson: “Van put on a show, stayed composed and got the job done! 🔥 #UFC328”
• Kevin Holland: “Van the man, Texas stand the f*** up”
• Brian Ortega: “What a war between these guys. @ufc”
• Dillon Danis: “Amazing fucking fight, but terrible stoppage for the 5th round of a title fight with the fight on the line.”
• THE MMA GURU: “JOSHUA VAN GETS IT DONE IN AN ALL TIME GREAT FLYWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT #UFC328 TATSURO TAIRA GREAT GRAPPLING, BUT NOT ENOUGH DAMAGE AND NO HEAD MOVEMENT ON THE FEET! Van had good get ups & solid boxing, STUPID FUCKING REF RUINED THE FINISH LIKE A CUNT Another FLYWEIGHT CLASSIC!”