In a month filled with thrilling matchups, one fight stood out as the clear favorite among fans and experts alike. MMA Junkie has crowned Joshua Van’s epic clash against Tatsuro Taira at UFC 328 as the Fight of the Month for May 2026, showcasing a remarkable display of resilience and skill.
The bout, which took place on June 5, 2026, saw Van (17-2 MMA, 10-1 UFC) triumph over Taira (18-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) with a stunning TKO at the 1:32 mark of the fifth round. From the very beginning, Taira made his intentions clear, launching powerful leg kicks and executing a successful double-leg takedown. He quickly moved to full mount, attempting to secure a choke as Van struggled to escape. However, Van’s tenacity shone through as he broke free and retaliated with a series of punches.
As the second round unfolded, Taira maintained his aggressive approach, but Van began to find his rhythm, landing significant strikes and defending against Taira’s takedown attempts. A pivotal moment came when Van connected with a massive right hand, knocking Taira down just before the round ended.
The momentum shifted further in Van’s favor during the third round. He capitalized on Taira’s fatigue, landing a flurry of hard shots and even dropping Taira with a left jab. Despite Taira’s attempts to grapple, Van’s striking prowess proved overwhelming, leaving Taira reeling.
As the fight progressed into the final round, both fighters were aware of the stakes, with two judges scoring the bout evenly. Van unleashed a barrage of punches, forcing the referee to step in and halt the contest, much to Taira’s dismay.
In a post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, the newly crowned UFC flyweight champion Van didn’t hold back, addressing Alexandre Pantoja, who was present at the event. “Pantoja, you better get your sh*t right,” Van declared. “We can run it back if you want.”
With such a dramatic showdown, fans are left wondering what’s next for Van and whether Taira will seek redemption. What do you think lies ahead for these fighters?
