Tatsuro Taira gets title shot against Joshua Van over Manel Kape — Sports News Blitz

Title shot surprise: Taira gets the call

Van broke the news that Taira will be his first title defence during the Fan Q&A ahead of UFC Houston.

Many thought that Manel Kape was next in line for the title, including Van, who was offered Kape on two weeks notice for UFC 326:

“Mick Maynard and my managers said, ‘Who you want: Manel or Taira for March 7?’ I said Manel.

“I don’t know what happened a couple of days later, they said Taira.”

After Kape’s first-round knockout of Brandon Royval in December 2025, he seemed to be the number one contender.

Kape has not come out and clarified whether he turned down the title shot or had been overlooked for Taira.

Van gave Taira his flowers when discussing his match-up: “He’s well-rounded. We all know that I’m a better striker and he’s a better grappler.”

Taira had a good campaign in 2025 after the first loss of his career in October 2024, with two wins against Hyun Sung Park and Brandon Royval.