Tatsuro Taira Targets Joshua Van as UFC Weighs Spring Flyweight Title Bout

Overview

• Taira reiterated he wants Van next after becoming the first fighter to stop Brandon Moreno, winning by TKO at 2:24 of round two at UFC 323.
• The stoppage by referee Mark Smith drew complaints from Moreno and some observers, and Taira maintained the finish was warranted.
• UFC President Dana White has signaled interest in staging Van’s first defense in Japan on a spring timetable under consideration.
• Taira said he is willing to challenge Van in Houston or Japan, while Van has indicated a preference to defend in his adopted home of Houston.
• Van captured the title when Alexandre Pantoja dislocated his elbow 26 seconds into their UFC 323 bout, and Moreno is reportedly being lined up to face Asu Almabayev on March 1 in Mexico, according to a report cited by Bloody Elbow.