🩸 Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira Prediction, Picks & Odds: Expect a Close Fight

Our Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira prediction has the champion retaining his belt in this UFC 328 betting preview, at the underdog price of +140. Taira is the betting favorite at FanDuel, and I disagree with the oddsmakers. This looks like a fight that will also go to the judges scorecards.

UFC 328 takes place Saturday, May 9, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, with the main card streaming live on Paramount+ at 9:00 p.m. ET. We're backing Van to win, and that is our strongest play at +140. Van is a difficult matchup and this fight should go down to the wire.

🩸 Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira predictions: UFC 328

See all of our UFC picks for this weekend's fights; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale.

Total wagered: 1.1 units | Max profit: 1.85 units

💰 Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira best bet: Van to win (+140)

Joshua Van has the tools to retain his flyweight title against Tatsuro Taira at UFC 328. Van’s pressure boxing, cardio, and pace create problems for opponents over five rounds, and he continues to improve every fight. He’s riding a six-fight win streak and already proved he can handle elite competition in the division.

Taira is dangerous on the ground, but Van’s takedown defense and scrambling ability should help neutralize those submission threats. Fighting under the bright lights of a championship co-main event also favors Van’s experience. If he keeps the fight standing and pushes the tempo, Van should successfully defend his belt this weekend.

🆚 Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira fight preview

Check our best UFC betting sites for the latest UFC 328 odds for this fight.

The flyweight title is on the line this weekend at UFC 328 as Joshua Van defends his championship against rising contender Tatsuro Taira in a highly anticipated showdown. Van enters the fight riding impressive momentum, using his relentless pressure, sharp boxing combinations, and elite cardio to overwhelm opponents. The champion has quickly become one of the most active and dangerous fighters in the division, thriving in fast-paced battles.

Meanwhile, Taira presents a completely different challenge with his high-level grappling and submission game. The undefeated Japanese contender has shown the ability to control fights on the mat and capitalize on mistakes. The key matchup will be whether Taira can consistently secure takedowns before Van establishes his striking rhythm. If the fight stays standing, Van likely holds the edge, but Taira’s ground attack makes him a dangerous threat throughout all five rounds inside the Octagon.

Prediction: Van to win (+140 via FanDuel)

💡 How I'm handicapping Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira

I’m handicapping this fight by focusing on pace, striking volume, and defensive wrestling. Joshua Van has consistently shown he can maintain pressure for all five rounds while landing clean combinations at a high rate. His ability to control range and dictate tempo gives him a major advantage on the feet.

Tatsuro Taira is extremely dangerous on the ground, but I question whether he can repeatedly secure takedowns against Van’s improving defense and scrambling ability. If Van keeps the fight standing for long stretches, his cardio and striking output should separate him on the scorecards and potentially lead to another championship victory at UFC 328.

📊 Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira odds

Odds via FanDuel; subject to change.

⚖️ Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira tale of the tape

📺 How to watch Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira: UFC 328

• Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
• Time: 9:00 p.m. ET (main card)
• Location: Prudential Center (Newark, New Jersey)
• TV: Paramount+