Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira Prediction, Betting Pick, Latest Flyweight Title Odds for UFC 328
Joshua Van will put his winning streak on the line tonight against Tatsuro Taira in a meeting of the two rapidly ascending Flyweight fighters. Who will leave with the belt in this UFC 328 title fight tonight? Let's take a look at this Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira Prediction and best betting pick for Saturday, May 9th at the Prudential Center.
OC Staff - May 9, 2026, 7:00 PM EDT
4 Minute ReadJoshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira Prediction: Can Van Continue Win Streak in Flyweight Title at UFC 328?
Joshua Van makes his first flyweight title defense Saturday night at UFC 328, with estimated ring walks set for 10:45 p.m. ET in the co-main event. Van enters as a +136 underdog against Tatsuro Taira, who is favored at -162 in a matchup between two of the fastest-rising young stars in the division.
Van is 16-2 and just 24 years old, while Taira is 18-1 and only 26, giving this title fight a rare feeling of both immediate stakes and long-term divisional importance. Taira brings the more trusted grappling profile, but Van’s pace, striking confidence, and current momentum make him a live underdog in a fight that could reshape the flyweight title picture.
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Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira Odds
- Moneyline: Van (+136), Taira (-162)
Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: Saturday, May 9th, 2026
- Time: 9:00 PM ET
- Where to Watch: Paramount+
Click here for complete Van vs. Taira odds
Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira Prediction
Taira deserves favorite status because his game is built around control. He has the length, grappling instincts, and submission threat to make Van work defensively for long stretches, and that is the obvious danger for the champion. If Taira gets repeated entries, forces scrambles, and makes this a back-control fight, the challenger can take rounds away without needing to win extended striking exchanges. That is why the market has leaned toward him as the safer technical side.
Van’s upset case starts with activity and confidence. He has climbed quickly because he fights with pressure, carries real finishing intent, and does not wait for perfect openings. His title win over Alexandre Pantoja came in unusual fashion after a freak injury, but Van has not backed away from the scrutiny that followed. This defense gives him a chance to validate the belt against a fresh, dangerous challenger, and the matchup gives him opportunities if he can keep the fight upright and force Taira to exchange at a higher pace than he wants.
The key for Van is making Taira pay before the grappling sequences settle. He does not need to shut down every takedown attempt, but he does need to create enough damage, urgency, and separation to make Taira’s entries more desperate as the fight goes on. Van’s speed and willingness to throw in combination can matter here, especially if he forces the challenger to reset in open space rather than chain wrestle cleanly against the fence. In a five-round fight, the underdog’s path is not just one big moment. It is building enough striking volume early to make Taira chase.
Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira Pick
- Pick: Joshua Van Moneyline (+136) Check out these best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
The best bet is Joshua Van moneyline at +136. Taira is dangerous and may be the cleaner stylistic favorite on paper, but Van’s price is too generous for a young champion riding this kind of momentum. His striking, pace, and ability to turn exchanges chaotic give him a real path to pulling the slight upset in the co-main event. At plus money, backing Van to continue his hot streak is the sharper side.
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