Tatsuro Taira believes he has the opportunity to accomplish something no Japanese fighter has ever achieved inside the UFC.
This Saturday at UFC 328, Taira will challenge Joshua Van for the flyweight title in the co-main event at the Prudential Center in Newark. Despite entering as the challenger, oddsmakers currently favor “The Best” to leave New Jersey with championship gold.
For the 25-year-old contender, the fight represents far more than a personal milestone.
“It’s my dream and also Japanese fans’,” Taira said during UFC 328 media day. “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.”
Tatsuro Taira Looking To Make UFC History For Japan
Japan has produced some of the most influential fighters in MMA history, but the country has never crowned an undisputed UFC champion despite several close attempts over the years.
Seasoned veterans such as Kyoji Horiguchi, Kai Asakura, and Yushin Okami all came close to reaching the top of the UFC mountain, but none were ultimately able to capture a title.
“The Best” now has the chance to change that.
The Japanese standout enters UFC 328 with an impressive 18-1 professional record and an 8-1 mark inside the UFC. His lone career defeat came in a narrow decision loss to Brandon Royval in 2024
Since then, Taira has continued building momentum and most recently earned a statement victory to secure his title shot against Van.
Beyond winning the championship, Taira also hopes his success could help bring the UFC back to Japan for the first time in nearly a decade.
“I must be the person,” Taira said. “After I win the belt, I want to help bring a big, big UFC event to Japan.”
The UFC last held an event in Japan back in 2017, and Taira believes becoming champion could reignite the promotion’s presence in one of MMA’s most historic markets.