MMA news: Tatsuro Taira gets title shot against Joshua Van over Manel Kape

Joshua Van, UFC flyweight champion, eagerly awaited his return to the cage after capturing the belt in just 26 seconds in a freak accident against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 323 in December.

At 24 years old, Van had one of the best years in MMA history in 2025, going from an unranked fighter at the start of the year to flyweight champion by the end.

Van is scheduled to fight Tatsuro Taira at UFC 327 on April 11 for his first title defence, writes Sports News Blitz’s Samuel Faris-Clark.

Title shot surprise: Taira gets the call

Van broke the news that Taira will be his first title defence during the Fan Q&A ahead of UFC Houston.

Many thought that Manel Kape was next in line for the title, including Van, who was offered Kape on two weeks notice for UFC 326:

“Mick Maynard and my managers said, ‘Who you want: Manel or Taira for March 7?’ I said Manel.

“I don't know what happened a couple of days later, they said Taira."

After Kape’s first-round knockout of Brandon Royval in December 2025, he seemed to be the number one contender.

Kape has not come out and clarified whether he turned down the title shot or had been overlooked for Taira.

Van gave Taira his flowers when discussing his match-up: "He's well-rounded. We all know that I'm a better striker and he's a better grappler."

Taira had a good campaign in 2025 after the first loss of his career in October 2024, with two wins against Hyun Sung Park and Brandon Royval.

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Pantoja waiting in the wings?

Former champion Pantoja was originally thought to be the obvious next fight for Van, but a freak injury to his shoulder is keeping him out of action for the foreseeable future.

Pantoja had defended his belt four times prior to his loss to and was seen to have cleared out the division.

Whoever wins the fight between Van and Taira will probably be facing Pantoja if the former champ is ready to return to action.

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