After Just Five Years of MMA Training, UFC Fighter Joshua Van May Become a Champion
After Just Five Years of MMA Training, UFC Fighter Joshua Van May Become a Champion originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
At just 23 years old, Joshua Van has accomplished what most fighters spend a lifetime chasing. His unanimous decision victory over Brandon Royval at UFC 317 wasn't just another win— it was a step towards greatness. In a fight already being hailed by fans and UFC commentator Joe Rogan as a potential 'fight of the year,' Van outlasted the seasoned Royval in a three-round war that showcased his volume, durability, and elite fight IQ.
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What makes Van's ascent even more remarkable is that he only began training MMA relatively recently, according to his post-fight interview, and now he is the no. 1 contender for Alexandre Pantoja's UFC flyweight title.
CEO of UFC Dana WhiteGetty Images
When Rogan asked him how long he had been training, Van answered, 'To answer your question, man, I've been training for five years.'
Van has already built himself an impressive legacy in MMA with his relentless activity and rapid evolution. According to his record on Tapology, Van made his amateur debut in December 2020 and turned pro just 10 months later.
He then joined the UFC in 2023, just two years and 1 month after his pro debut. In his two years of fighting in the UFC, Van has already fought eight times, amassing a 7-1 record in the promotion. His sole loss was via knockout at the hands of Charles Johnson in July 2024.
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Van has fought an astonishing 17 times in under four years.
What sets Van apart isn't just his record—it's his ability to adjust to the conditions of the fight while it is still occurring. He fought with the composure of a veteran. His ability to adjust mid-fight, as seen when he weathered Royval's second-round surge before retaking control in the third, demonstrated a maturity beyond his years.
Next up for Van is a title shot against Pantoja, who successfully defended his belt against Kai Kara-France later that night. The matchup is a dream for the UFC—a fresh, charismatic challenger against a dominant champion.
This opportunity is the culmination of a journey that began just half a decade ago.
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"The winner of the title fight tonight, they're gonna have to see me," Van declared post-fight. "Dana White, if you give me a chance to face off with them, I'm here."
Van's rise mirrors that of other UFC phenoms like Max Holloway, who also fought at a breakneck pace early in his career. But even Holloway didn't achieve title contention this quickly.
With his combination of skill, activity, and fan-friendly fighting style, Van might be the future of the UFC flyweight division, and perhaps the sport itself.
Related: Ilia Topuria KOs Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, Wins Lightweight Belt to Become Two-Division Champion (Video)
Related: UFC Hall-of-Famer Questions Jon Jones GOAT Status Over Failed Steroid Tests
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
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