Written by Rhea Alison, Sports reporter, covering international sports since 2020
New UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van is preparing for the first defence of his belt at UFC 328 this weekend after his controversial win over Alexandre Pantoja earlier this year. The 24-year-old will face Japan’s Tatsuro Taira in a bout that has already made history as the first UFC title fight between two fighters born in the 2000s. The fight matters for more than just the championship because many fans still debate Van’s title victory after Pantoja suffered an injury only seconds into their clash at UFC 323.
Joshua Van backs himself ahead of UFC 328
Van has repeatedly spoken about believing he would become a UFC champion before most people even knew his name. Now he says his focus is fully on proving he belongs at the top of the division.
“My life has been about manifesting things,” Van told Fox Sports Australia this week.
“When I first started talking about getting into fighting, my auntie would talk about how to act when I become a world champion. So it’s kind of like us seeing the future.
“And my faith – I pray to God. He answers my prayers. So, you know, it’s always my belief.”
The champion explained that he had always pictured himself reaching the top by 2026 and believes this weekend is the next step in that journey.
“I just could see the matches going a certain way and that I’d be a champion by 2026.
“And this weekend I’m going to defend this belt, and we go from there.”
Controversial title win still part of discussion
Van’s rise to champion came under unusual circumstances at UFC 323. Just 26 seconds into the fight, Alexandre Pantoja injured his arm while attempting to brace himself during a fall. The referee stopped the fight immediately, handing Van the belt in a scene that left the crowd stunned inside the arena.
Many supporters celebrated Van becoming one of the youngest UFC champions ever, while others questioned whether the ending truly settled who the better fighter was.
Taira has been one of the loudest voices raising doubts.
The Japanese contender recently suggested Van did not fully earn the title in the cage and that UFC 328 would decide the “real” champion of the division.
Van, however, insists he has nothing left to prove.
“I’ve got nothing to prove,” he said.
“I mean, he [Taira] has got something to prove, because he wouldn’t take my belt.
“I’m just gonna do me. I’m just gonna be the same Joshua van – fighting for his family, his country.
Young stars prepare for historic UFC clash
The matchup itself already carries a historic feel. Van became the second-youngest UFC champion ever behind Jon Jones after winning the belt at age 24.
Taira, meanwhile, has built a reputation as one of the division’s most dangerous finishers. His recent stoppage victory over former champion Brandon Moreno showed his growing confidence on the feet, even though his grappling remains his biggest weapon.
Van expects Taira to test himself in striking exchanges before eventually chasing takedowns.
“I think he’s gonna try to stand up with me a little bit - if you go off his last fights,” Van said.
“I mean, he’s showing he’s got a little bit of striking.
“His game plan will be taking me down, for sure, but I think he will definitely try and stand and bang with me.”
Despite the challenge, the champion sounded relaxed throughout fight week. While fans packed media events and constantly discussed the rivalry between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland in the UFC 328 main event, Van stayed focused on his own preparation.
At open workouts, observers noted how calm he looked compared to the tension surrounding other fighters on the card. He smiled frequently, spoke quietly, and moved confidently through drills while supporters gathered cageside hoping to catch a glimpse of the champion.
“No, I see myself finishing him inside three rounds,” he said.
Respect replaces hostility before UFC 328
Unlike the heated exchanges between Chimaev and Strickland, the relationship between Van and Taira has remained respectful throughout the build-up.
Both fighters have avoided personal attacks and instead focused on their skills inside the Octagon. That attitude has impressed many MMA fans who are eager to see two rising stars compete without unnecessary drama overshadowing the contest.
Van admitted he has barely followed the chaos surrounding the main event.
“I’m too focused on my fight right now,” he smiled.
“I don’t pay attention to none of that. Right now, all I have is this and nothing else.”