MIAMI – The highly-anticipated UFC flyweight title matchup originally expected for UFC 327 will still happen, just a little later than expected.
It was a difficult decision for the parties involved, but a necessary one, Iridium Sports Agency CEO Jason House told MMA Junkie on Friday ahead of Saturday’s event at Kaseya Center. House explained the postponement of Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira, a bout containing two of his clients, to UFC 328 on May 6 in Newark, and also shed light on two other key members of the UFC flyweight division.
Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira shift
Van was flown to Las Vegas and underwent medical testing following an undisclosed injury, House revealed. Staff determined it was best he wait a few more weeks to compete – so that’s what they did.
“It was extremely difficult,” House said. “He was devastated. He really wanted to be on this event in Miami here. It really came down to an injury. We had to fly to Las Vegas, meet with the UFC P.I., going through everything with the staff and what’s best for him to push back a month. Thankfully, we were able to keep the fight together. Tatsuro has been stateside for camp as well, so I would’ve hated for him to lose the opportunity as well. It’s good both of these guys still get to do the fight, just three weeks later.”
Brandon Royval
Perennial contender Brandon Royval should have a fight announced soon, House said.
“Royval, we’re in discussions for a summer return,” House said. “We’ll make that announcement soon. It seems to be a big opportunity for him.”
While House did not reveal a name, the only two top-10 flyweight contenders without known matchups are Amir Albazi and former champion Alexandre Pantoja.
Brandon Moreno
Former UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno was upset by Lone’er Kavanagh in February. While Moreno has been in mental reset mode, House indicated the prominent Mexican champion is not done competing. More of the story remains to be written.
“I’m supposed to sit down with him sometime in the next couple of weeks and figure out what’s next and when he wants to get back in there,” House said. “One thing about Brandon is he’s so mentally tough. Brandon he knows what the sport is and he has to handle it well. It’s in his identity and he knows how to compartmentalize his life away from fighting. Right now, I think he’s taking time away with the family. He’ll make a return soon. Maybe Noche or something like that.”
