Overview
- UFC officials announced Van vs. Taira for April 11 at Kaseya Center in Miami as part of UFC 327.
- Van first told fans at a Houston Q&A that Taira would be next, and outlets later confirmed the matchup.
- Taira is 18-1 and coming off a stoppage of former champion Brandon Moreno, positioning him for a breakthrough opportunity.
- Van won the belt at UFC 323 in a 26-second TKO when Alexandre Pantoja dislocated his elbow, capping a rapid rise in 2025.
- Van said he accepted short-notice offers to face Manel Kape before being matched with Taira; the bout is expected to be the co-main event, per reports.