Van signs contract to defend flyweight title vs Taida

Flyweight champion Joshua Van has signed his contract for a title defense against Tatsudo Taida at UFC 327, according to recent reports. Van has been actively campaigning for this matchup, and both fighters have agreed to the bout and location. The fight comes as speculation surrounded whether number-two ranked Minnell Cop would receive the title shot, but Cop's arm injury from UFC 323 in December has raised questions about his availability. Van's willingness to sign quickly demonstrates his eagerness to defend his title, which he won when former champion Allesandre Pantosia suffered the injury.