Overview
- Van will face Taira for the flyweight belt in Saturday's UFC 328 co-main event at the Prudential Center in Newark.
- Asked about winning the title when Alexandre Pantoja was injured in December, Van said he has moved on and wants the UFC to grant Pantoja a rematch.
- MMA Fighting reports Pantoja appears cleared to return, which positions a Van–Pantoja sequel as a likely next step after UFC 328.
- Van said two Asian-born male fighters meeting for a UFC world title is a meaningful moment for fans across Asia.
- Sizing up styles, Van called Taira well rounded and known for grappling, and he vowed to force the challenger to fight at his pace even if the bout hits the mat.