Edgar Chairez Aims to Establish UFC Ranking: 'I'm Among the Best' Edgar Chairez, the Mexican flyweight fighter, has faced two losses in his UFC debut against current champion Joshua Van and recent title challenger Tatsuro Taira. Despite the outcomes, Chairez has maintained confidence, citing his performances as evidence of his ability to compete against top-tier opponents. Since those defeats, he has secured a two-fight winning streak, defeating C.J. Vergara and Felipe Bunes. Chairez is set to face ranked UFC flyweight veteran Bruno Silva at UFC Fight Night 278, a bout he believes could impact his standing in the rankings. "I'm fighting No. 15, so if I beat him, I'm taking his place," he stated in Spanish. "And if I don't take No. 15, I think I'll still be among the best 10 in the world." Chairez emphasized that his early losses to Van and Taira were not setbacks but rather proof of his ability to challenge the division's elite. "What do you want me to say? That I fought nobody? Obviously I've been fighting the best," he added. Chairez acknowledged that his UFC career has not progressed as he initially hoped, with limited fight activity compared to his expectations. He fought twice in 2024 and once in 2025, and hopes for a more active 2026. "I need to make up for last year," he said. "Last year, I was left without fighting, so this time around I hope to fight three or four times." He expressed optimism about potential opportunities, including appearances at major events like International Fight Week and Noche UFC, while stressing the importance of staying prepared. "I just have to stay ready because this year I said I wanted to be active, and that's how it's got to be done," he noted.#joshua_van #edgar_chairez #tatsuro_taira #bruno_silva #ufc_fight_night_278
Japanese Fighter Taiya Tatsuro Faces Joshua Van in Historic UFC Title Bout Taiya Tatsuro, ranked No. 3 in the UFC flyweight division, will compete against American flyweight champion Joshua Van in a title fight at UFC 328. The event, scheduled for the 10th, will take place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Both fighters successfully completed their weigh-in on the 8th, confirming they each met the 56.7kg weight class requirement. The matchup marks the first title fight in UFC history between male fighters of Asian descent. Taiya, born in Okinawa, and Van, originally from Myanmar and now based in the U.S., will face off in a high-stakes contest. For Taiya, the fight represents a chance to become Japan’s first UFC champion. After the weigh-in, he stated, “I am ready. I stand here to prove that I am the best,” and vowed to “bring the championship belt back to Japan.” Taiya’s recent performance includes a TKO victory over former champion Brandon Moreno in December last year, which solidified his status as a rising star in the division. Since then, he has continued to compete alongside young talents like Ronnie Cavanna. While Moreno has struggled after losing to Cavanna, Taiya has maintained his dominance, showcasing his technical skills and resilience. Joshua Van, the reigning flyweight champion, has declared his intent for the bout. He stated, “I can’t wait. Tomorrow is kill or be killed,” emphasizing his focus on securing a decisive victory rather than relying on judges’ decisions. Van’s aggressive style and physicality make him a formidable opponent, but Taiya’s grappling expertise and strategic mindset could be key to his success. In the main event of UFC 328, middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev will face challenger Sean Strickland in their first title defense.#prudential_center #ufc_328 #japanese_fighter #taiya_tatsuro #joshua_van
