The co-main event of UFC 328 pits Joshua Van’s strikes versus Tatsuro Taira’s grappling as the young flyweight stars look to steal the show in a fight that is sure to deliver.
Taira is the favorite at -180, while Van is a +145 underdog in tonight's UFC odds.
Van will need to rely on his mean streak and reliable striking power to avoid Taira’s suffocating ground game, and my Van vs. Taira predictions believe the champion is being overlooked ahead of this clash between two primed fighters on Saturday, May 9.
Van vs Taira fight prediction: Van moneyline (+145)
As good as Taira is, his chances of winning this fight rely on grounding Van for five whole rounds. If he couldn’t do it to Brandon Royval as a -310 favorite, he won’t do it against the aggressive and physically imposing champion.
Van’s 81% takedown defense, combined with his pace and striking power, creates a dangerous dynamic for Taira every time he shoots. Van will maintain the range, make Taira take chances, and overwhelm him in the process.
Van vs Taira best bet: Van to win by KO/TKO/DQ (+335)
Van won’t have trouble catching Taira with big shots. Taira’s striking defense isn’t very good, and he isn’t as dynamic when his opponents have good footwork and establish range, causing him to force his takedowns and get tagged for his troubles.
Van is heavy-handed and relentless, and one bad takedown attempt from Taira is going to lead to a series of punishing shots that will end in a stoppage.
COVERS INTEL: Taira owns a shaky 47% significant strike defense, while Van lands an elite 8.84 significant strikes per minute.Joshua Van vs Tatsuro Taira odds
 |
||
|---|---|---|
| Method of Victory | Van | Taira |
| To win outright | +140 | -170 |
| To win by KO/TKO | +320 | +750 |
| To win by decision | +425 | +300 |
| To win by submission | +2700 | +190 |
| Total rounds | Over 3.5 -120 |
Under 3.5 -110 |
Odds as of 5-9.
Bet on the UFC at BET99!
One of Canada's best sportsbooks for UFC betting, join BET99 and get up to $800 bonus bets back if your first bet doesn’t win when using our BET99 promo code COVERS99
*Not available in Ontario
Joshua Van vs Tatsuro Taira tale of the tape
| Van | Taira | |
|---|---|---|
| 24 | Age | 26 |
| 5-foot-5 | Height | 5-foot-7 |
| Flyweight | Weight Class | Flyweight |
| 65 inches | Reach | 70 inches |
| 16-2 | Record | 18-1 |
| 8 | Wins by KO | 6 |
| 2 | Wins by submission | 8 |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
