Joshua Van is tired of the doubters. At just 24, he’s already being labeled as ‘too young’ for a UFC title shot, but he’s firing back with a question that demands attention: ‘What am I supposed to do? Sit on the sidelines just because of my age?’ This rising star isn’t waiting for anyone’s permission to chase his dreams, and his journey to the top has been anything but conventional.
Back in June, Van silenced critics who claimed he was ‘too green’ by stepping in on short notice to face Brandon Royval. Fresh off a win over Bruno Silva at UFC 316, Van didn’t hesitate when the opportunity arose—just three weeks later—after Royval’s original opponent, Manel Kape, withdrew. While many expected him to simply ‘show up’ and lose gracefully, Van delivered a jaw-dropping performance, potentially earning ‘Fight of the Year’ honors and securing a unanimous decision victory. This win catapulted him to the No. 1 contender spot, setting up a title fight against flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 323.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Despite his undeniable momentum, the naysayers are at it again, claiming Van isn’t ‘ready’ for this moment. Van, however, isn’t buying it. ‘I’ve got nine UFC fights under my belt,’ he told MMA Fighting. ‘Am I supposed to wait around just because I’m young? I’ve been ready for this for years. Mentally, physically—I’m prepared.’
Van’s confidence isn’t arrogance; it’s calculated. He enters this fight as the underdog, a role he’s all too familiar with. Yet, he’s not spending his days obsessing over Pantoja’s resume. ‘I take one fight at a time,’ he explained. ‘I don’t even know half the names in my division. Right now, my focus is Pantoja.’
And this is the part most people miss: Van isn’t just another challenger. He’s studying Pantoja’s opponents, noticing a pattern. ‘A lot of guys give him too much respect,’ Van observed. ‘They back up, and that plays right into his hands. I’m not making that mistake. I’m going to be myself—because nobody fights like Joshua Van.’
Here’s the bold claim: Van believes past opponents have crumbled under Pantoja’s pressure, but he’s convinced his unique style will be the difference-maker. ‘He’s a dog,’ Van admitted. ‘He keeps coming no matter what. But I’m not breaking. I’m here to win.’
If Van succeeds, he’ll achieve the unthinkable: dethroning Pantoja, who hasn’t lost in over five years, and becoming a champion in just his 10th UFC fight. The pressure is immense, but Van is embracing it. ‘Life’s about to change,’ he joked. ‘Maybe I’ll start wearing sunglasses indoors.’
But seriously, here’s the question for you: Is Joshua Van truly ready for this moment, or is the UFC rushing a young talent into a fight he’s not prepared for? And if he wins, does he become one of the greatest underdog stories in UFC history? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—agree or disagree, this fight is bound to spark debate.
