Joshua Van’s Rise Will Result in a Potential Showdown With This Champion
A little over a year ago, Joshua Van made his UFC debut, and since then, he’s quickly become one of the most exciting prospects in the Flyweight Division. In just over 12 months, Van has fought five times, including twice in the past month, and in each performance, he’s looked sharper, faster, and more dangerous. Every aspect of his game has been tested, with elite takedown defense, solid grappling, and arguably the best striking in the division, Van continues to captivate fans every time he steps into the Octagon. His most recent victory was impressive, as he defeated a tough, well-established contender in Brandon Royval. It was a statement win that officially cemented Van as a legitimate title contender. Now, the 23-year-old will face the toughest challenge of his career in the form of reigning champion Alexandre Pantoja.
While Joshua Van continues to rise, Pantoja reminded fans at UFC 317 why he’s the king of the Flyweight Division. The champion delivered another dominant performance, finishing Kai Kara-France and extending his impressive title reign. Pantoja brings a different challenge than Van’s previous opponents, relying heavily on elite grappling and submission skills with a solid striking game. Van will need a full training camp to prepare, as Pantoja’s style will test his takedown defense and ground game like never before. Luckily, with the fight just recently occurring, this opportunity will be given, and Joshua Van can work on different aspects of his game.
Overall, Joshua Van’s rapid rise has been one of the best stories in MMA this past year. At just 23, his potential is undeniable as he has multiple years before he hits his prime. While there are still areas of his game that can be refined, a full camp and some rest could elevate him to the next level. Van also represents a new wave of talent in the Flyweight Division, a weight class that, not long ago, was on the verge of being cut after Demetrious Johnson’s departure. Now, with rising stars like Joshua Van rising through the rankings and a resurgent title picture, the Flyweight Division looks brighter than ever.
