The Daniel Cormier Show - Joshua Van on BEATING Tatsuro Taira, Sean-Khamzat, Jon Jones' record

The Herd with Colin Cowherd14mMay 9, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd interviews UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van on the eve of UFC 328, where Van defends his title against Tatsuro Taira. Van reflects on his rapid rise to the top, from a young fighter with no wrestling background to world champion, emphasizing his mental resilience and work ethic. He discusses the recent cancellation of his bout with Brandon Moreno due to injury, confirming that Taira remains the opponent despite speculation about Pantoja. Van breaks down his championship fight, clarifying that Taira's injury was a result of his own action—forcing Taira to the ground after a blocked head kick—challenging the narrative that Taira was simply unlucky. He expresses confidence in his striking and ground game, while acknowledging Taira’s toughness and skill. Van also reflects on the weight of being a champion, noting that he remains grounded through his coaches and family, and proudly identifies as Burmese-American, highlighting his cultural identity. The episode closes with Cowherd celebrating Van’s rise and the high-stakes nature of the upcoming fight, framing it as one of the most intense cards of the year.

Key Takeaways
1

Joshua Van became a world champion despite having no formal wrestling background before joining the UFC.

2

Van's title win was controversially perceived as an accident, but he clarifies that his actions directly caused Taira’s injury.

3

Van is confident in his ability to control fights on the feet, but is prepared for extended grappling exchanges.

4

He remains mentally driven and grounded, attributing his discipline to coaches and family, not fame or money.

5

Van proudly identifies as Burmese-American, emphasizing his cultural roots despite being a U.S.-based champion.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
3 min

Sponsor Segments: Humor Me, Superhuman, Stuff to Blow Your Mind

Multiple iHeartRadio-sponsored podcast promos are aired, including 'Humor Me with Robert Smigel and Friends,' 'Superhuman' (about the 'Enhanced Games'), and 'Stuff to Blow Your Mind' (Star Wars-themed episodes). These segments promote comedy, speculative science, and pop culture content.

3:00
2 min

Introduction to UFC 328 and Hard Rock Bet Promo

Colin Cowherd introduces UFC 328, highlighting the high-stakes nature of the card, particularly the co-main event between Joshua Van and Tatsuro Taira. A promotional segment for Hard Rock Bet offers a $5 bet for $150 in bonus bets, with legal disclaimers and gambling support resources.

5:00
4 min

Joshua Van’s Journey to Championship Glory

I knew you always were confident. But to be the world champ... this quickly? Are you a bit surprised? Nah, man. I actually thought it was going to be Jon Jones record and then yeah, I took that loss back in 2024 or something.

Highlight
9:00
4 min

The Controversial Title Fight and Taira’s Injury

When he landed that kick, like I kind of like not just block it, but like push it, you know, I think that can like force him to fall in that way.

Highlight
13:00
3 min

Facing Tatsuro Taira: A True Test of Dominance

I really want to test myself against someone like Tetsuro. I think that would show the world that I'm the best in this flyweight.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
When he landed that kick, like I kind of like not just block it, but like push it, you know, I think that can like force him to fall in that way.
Joshua Van8:16
Viral: 85.0
No, I am the champ. Hey, Ric Flair said that. Everybody taking some shit Ric Flair said.
Joshua Van14:51
Viral: 82.0
You're not the champ until you defend the belt? No, I am the champ.
Joshua Van14:49
Viral: 82.0
Speakers

Host

Colin Cowherd

Guest

Joshua Van
Topics Discussed
UFC Championship Defense90%Fighter Mental Resilience85%Cultural Identity in Sports80%Fight Strategy and Technique75%Injury and Fight Cancellations70%Athlete Work Ethic70%Legacy and Championship Myths65%Fight Week Atmosphere60%
People & Brands

Joshua Van

person

25xPositive

Colin Cowherd

person

18xPositive

Tatsuro Taira

person

12xNeutral

iHeartRadio

organization

8xNeutral

UFC 328

other

7xPositive

Hard Rock Bet

organization

6xPositive

Burmese-American

other

4xPositive

Brandon Moreno

person

4xNeutral

Sean Strickland

person

3xNeutral

Myanmar

place

3xPositive

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