UFC 327 has taken a sudden turn as flyweight champion Joshua Van will no longer compete. Van has built plenty of momentum as of late, so his absence comes at an unfortunate time. The event takes place at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida on Saturday, Apr. 11.
Van was set to defend his flyweight title against Tatsuro Taira in the co-main event. The bout was going to mark Van’s first title defense after defeating Alexandre Pantoja to capture the title.
There was already uncertainty surrounding the title picture after Pantoja suffered an injury that forced an end to his bout with Van. As a result, the title changed hands and there was no immediate rematch. Now, the reigning champion was forced to withdraw, so the division will be held up until the title fight is sorted out.
While the flyweight title fight is a significant loss, UFC 327 features a strong card with several notable names.
Why Did Flyweight Champion Joshua Van Withdraw from UFC 327?
GettyLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 06: Joshua Van of Myanmar reacts after his flyweight title fight victory at T-Mobile Arena on December 06, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
It is still unclear why Joshua Van withdrew from UFC 327 a week before his title defense against Tatsuro Taira.
MMA Fighting‘s Guilherme Cruz was the first to report the news regarding Van vs. Taira being removed from the event. According to Cruz, there was alternative plans discussed, but the promotion ultimately decided to postpone the bout instead.
“UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van is out of next week’s UFC 327 card in Miami due to undisclosed reasons, multiple people with knowledge of the situation confirmed to MMA Fighting,” Cruz wrote. “It’s unclear if Taira will a different opponent that night or if the title bout will move to a later date. The UFC has considered options over the past few days, sources said.”
There was plenty of excitement for the flyweight title clash. Van was riding a six-fight winning streak. Taira, meanwhile, has two consecutive wins, including his 2nd round TKO over former champion Brandon Moreno.
During the UFC Vegas 115 broadcast, it was announced that Van vs. Taira will now serve as the co-headline UFC 328. That event is scheduled to take place May. 9, with Sean Strickland facing middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev in the main event.
Updated UFC 327 Main Card
With Van vs. Taira rescheduled, the main card will be slightly adjusted. There was five fights, including the flyweight title clash set for the main card.
UFC 327 will still feature five main card fights. Cub Swanson vs. Nate Landwehr has now been promoted to the main card. Swanson announced that it will be his retirement fight, so it is fitting that he will be on the main card.
Although the UFC 327 lost a title fight, there will still be a title at stake at the event. The main card is now as follows:
Jiri Prochazka vs. Carlos Ulberg – Vacant Light Heavyweight Championship
Curtis Blaydes vs. Josh Hokit – Heavyweight
Dominick Reyes vs. Johnny Walker – Light Heavyweight
Azamat Murzakanov vs. Paulo Costa – Light Heavyweight
Cub Swanson vs. Nate Landwehr – Featherweight
UFC 327: Flyweight Champion Joshua Van OUT of Title Fight