Chartier said Van’s edge is efficient boxing and confidence, while Taira’s strength is positional grappling, with cage control, pace and reactions to adversity likely to decide the fight.
The bout is framed as a rare title clash between two fast-rising young flyweights still defining themselves, with questions over how each handles championship pressure and whether their rivalry could continue.
Will Joshua Van's striking defy the odds, or will Tatsuro Taira's grappling finally bring a UFC title home to Japan?
In the UFC's youngest title fight, will striking or grappling decide who crumbles under the immense championship pressure?