May 8, 2026 – UFC Flyweight Champion Joshua Van made a powerful cultural statement today, attending the UFC 328 pre-fight press conference in Newark, New Jersey, wearing traditional Chin-inspired attire.
The Myanmar-born fighter, known as “The Fearless Van,” is set to make the first defense of his title on 9 May.
The 24-year-old champion’s choice of clothing highlighted his roots in Chin State, Myanmar, a region currently facing significant military aggression and ongoing conflict.
Van, who was born in Hakha and relocated to the U.S. in 2013, captured the flyweight title in an upset victory against long-reigning champion Alexandre Pantoja on 7 December 2025, becoming the first Burmese fighter to ever claim a UFC championship.
Van (8 wins, 1 loss in nine UFC appearances) will face the No. 3-ranked Japanese contender, Tatsuro Taira, who enters the contest on a two-fight winning streak.
International media are noting the bout as a historic milestone: the first UFC championship between two young Asian-born fighters, and the first title fight featuring two fighters born after the year 2000.
The UFC 328 card will be headlined by a middleweight championship main event between reigning champion Khamzat Chimaev and former champion Sean Strickland. – Reporting by Daniel
