Joshua Van’s highly anticipated first title defense has hit a snag, with the UFC flyweight champion forced to postpone his showdown against Tatsuro Taira until UFC 328 in May due to a minor injury setback.
Van Title Defense Moved to Newark
The Myanmar sensation was set to put his 125-pound strap on the line against Taira at UFC 327 next weekend in Miami, but UFC officials confirmed on Saturday that the championship clash has been pushed back to May 9th at UFC 328 in Newark. Furthermore, this bout will now serve as the co-main event alongside the middleweight title fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland.
Young Champion Looks to Bounce Back
At just 24 years old, Van (16-2) made history in December when he became the second-youngest champion in UFC history, ripping the flyweight belt from Alexandre Pantoja’s grasp at UFC 323. The rising star has been absolutely electric lately, riding a six-fight winning streak that’s seen him bulldoze through the division’s elite.
Meanwhile, the injury delay means UFC 327 at Miami’s Kaseya Center will proceed with its vacant light heavyweight title bout between Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg taking top billing. However, fight fans won’t have to wait much longer to see Van back in action, as the postponement only pushes the bout back by a few weeks. The flyweight division’s future remains bright with this explosive champion ready to prove his mettle once again.
