UFC 328 Embedded, Episode 3: 'I love my job'

May 7, 2026 - 12:20

The third installment of UFC 328 Embedded follows the fighters as they wrap up their final preparations before fight night. Tatsuro Taira is shown carefully packing his suitcase, a quiet moment of focus before he heads to New Jersey to step into the cage. The Japanese flyweight keeps his routine simple, letting his discipline speak for itself.

Joshua Van spends his last strength and conditioning session in the company of his mother. She works alongside him, pushing him through the final reps as he sharpens his explosiveness. It is a family affair, with the bond between mother and son serving as the backbone of his camp.

Ateba Gautier keeps his own tradition alive by visiting a local zoo. The heavyweight takes a break from the grind to observe the animals, finding a strange sense of calm before the storm. Meanwhile, Waldo Cortes Acosta is shown in the gym, but he is not exactly hitting the pads. The camera catches him swinging at everything except the mitts, a moment of raw energy that brings a smile to his face. The episode captures the mix of superstition, family, and pure love for the sport that defines fight week.