Joshua Van is preparing for the biggest test of his life.
Van (15-2 MMA, 8-1 UFC) has enjoyed an electrifying start to his UFC career since signing with the promotion in 2023. The 24-year-old has put together a series of standout performances, culminating in a Fight of the Year contender in his last outing against Brandon Royval at UFC 317 in June.
After outpointing Royval over three rounds, “The Fearless” was rewarded with a title shot, and he now faces Alexandre Pantoja (30-5 MMA, 14-3 UFC) for the 125-pound belt in the co-main event of UFC 323 on December 6.
Pantoja has ruled the flyweight division for the past two and a half years, racking up four consecutive title defenses and establishing himself as one of the most dominant champions in the sport.
"I don't like that," Van told MMA Junkie. "You know how people say he's unbeatable and stuff like that? I don't want people to turn this into old vs. young. I don't like that. This is the guy, the Pantoja that everybody says is unbeatable. I don't want to hear, 'Oh, he's old. He's getting old this and that.' I feel like he will come in and he'll be the best Pantoja you can see."
Consecutive wins in title fights against Brandon Moreno, Brandon Royval, Steve Erceg, Kai Asakura and Kai Kara-France have showcased Pantoja’s unbelievable grappling acumen. With two rear naked choke finishes in his last two outings, it’s no secret where “The Cannibal” poses the biggest threat.
Van trusts in his own skillset however, and he is adamant that his striking can be the difference when he faces the flyweight champion at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas next week.
"I feel like I'm going to knock him out inside three rounds," Van said. "If not, it's going to be a war. You know Pantoja. That motherf*cker is going to bring it and I'm going to bring it. I'm thinking inside three rounds, but I'm prepared for a five-rounder, too. Yeah, let's just see come December 6. Because you know we can all make game plans, but come fight day, it's completely different. I'm well-prepared for everything, man, of what he's going to bring to the table come fight night."
