After a quick and clinical submission win at UFC Vegas 108, rising flyweight contender Tatsuro Taira turned his attention to the top of the division — and made a bold prediction.

Speaking in his post-fight interview after a second round submission win over the previously unbeaten Park Hyun-sung at last weekend’s event in Las Vegas, Taira said, “I think when he fights Joshua Van next, whoever looks better. That’s the guy who’s gonna beat Pantoja.”

Taira, now 15–1, bounced back impressively from his first career loss to former title contender Brandon Royval last October. He sees Van as a serious threat, especially after the American prospect recently defeated Royval. But Taira also made it clear: he wants to be next in line.

“Joshua Van just beat Brandon Royval, who beat me,” Taira said. “So if Van wins [against Pantoja], that puts him in the position. If he doesn’t, then whoever looked better in that fight gets my attention.”

While Taira didn’t call for an immediate title shot, he made his ambitions clear. “I’m not saying I want the next title shot right away,” he said. “I want that Joshua Van winner fight. That’s the real measure.”

Reigning champion Alexandre Pantoja is expected to defend his title against Van later this year, following his fourth consecutive successful defense at UFC 317 against Kai Kara-France. That fight could reshape the pecking order at flyweight — and Taira is watching closely.

“Whoever looks best in that fight — that’s the guy,” Taira repeated. “And I want to be the one waiting for him.”