Follow us on Google Discover More than just a UFC title is at stake for Tatsuro Taira in Newark.
Before Sean Strickland challenges Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of UFC 328, another divisional belt will be on the line inside the Prudential Center.
After benefiting from Alexandre Pantoja’s injury last December, Joshua Van will return for his first defense of flyweight gold.
Standing on her way to continuing on the 125-pound throne is Taira, who could be the key to finally bringing the octagon back to Japan.
Who leaves UFC 328 with the flyweight title? ЁЯПЖ
Explain your Joshua Van vs. prediction Tatsuro Taira in the comments. тмЗя╕П
Dana White says UFC could return to Japan if Tatsuro Taira becomes flyweight champion
Taira knocked out former champion Brandon Moreno at UFC 323 to earn his first title shot.
The Japanese star is now 18-1 as a professional, having lost only a close split decision against Brandon Royval inside the octagon.
Evidently, the 26-year-old has the nation of Japan behind his championship on MMA’s biggest stage, and Taira has a chance to bring more than just UFC gold to his countrymen after the May 9 card.
By becoming the first Japanese champion in UFC history, Dana White says Taira could pave the way for the promotion to host an event in his home country for the first time since 2017.
“It’s been a while since we did a fight in Japan,” White said on CBS Mornings.
тАЬThere isn’t as much talent coming out of Japan as there was in the late ’90s and early 2000s.
“If this guy wins and becomes world champion, we could fight again in Japan,” he added.
Some are skeptical of White’s claim, given that the likes of Dricus du Plessis and Ilia Topuria have failed to bring the UFC to their countries after winning titles.
UFC trips abroad rely heavily on nations’ willingness to pay high site fees these days, so Japan would likely have to spend money to set the stage for Taira’s potential homecoming fight.
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