MORRISTOWN, N.J. – Tatsuro Taira intends to become the first Japanese champion in UFC history, and according to the oddsmakers, he has a good chance to do so this weekend.
This Saturday in the co-main event of UFC 328 (Paramount+), Taira (18-1 MMA, 8-1 UFC) challenges champion Joshua Van (16-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC) for his UFC flyweight belt. Despite being the challenger, Taira enters as a decent favorite over the champion. Taira is ready not only to accomplish his own dream but also that of an entire country that, despite a rich history in MMA, has never crowned a UFC champion.
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“It’s my dream and also Japanese fans’,” Tiara said at Wednesday’s 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.”
Several Japanese fighters have entered title contention, and some have even fought for the belt, like Kai Asakura, Kyoji Horiguchi, and Yushin Okami. However, none have been able to win the belt. On top of aiming to be the first in his country to get the UFC belt, Taita also dreams of bringing back the UFC to his country. The last time the UFC was in Japan was back in 2017 with a Fight Night event.
“I must be the person,” Taira said. “After I win the belt, I want to help bring a big, big UFC event to Japan.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Tatsuro Taira vows to bring UFC flyweight title back to Japan
