2025: The Year Joshua Van Claims the Throne?
It’s a bold prediction, but one that Joshua Van made with unwavering confidence over a year ago. “2025 is the takeover year,” he declared to Thomas Gerbasi in December 2024, just 23 years old and already a rising star in the flyweight division. Little did he know how prophetic those words would become. Now, on the cusp of UFC 323, Van stands on the precipice of fulfilling that prophecy, poised to challenge Alexandre Pantoja for the flyweight title and potentially cement his dominance in the division. But here's where it gets controversial: Can a 24-year-old, with just four years of professional experience, dethrone a seasoned champion like Pantoja? And this is the part most people miss: Van’s journey hasn’t been about luck—it’s been about relentless hunger, strategic planning, and an unshakeable belief in himself.
Van’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. After a pivotal win over Edgar Chairez at Noche UFC, he vowed to his close friend, Michael Aswell Jr., “This year, we’re gonna take over, and by 2025, we’re gonna be champion.” It wasn’t just empty talk. Van’s approach is a blend of manifestation and hard work. “It’s just the hunger, man,” he explained, reflecting on his transformation after a loss to Charles Johnson. That hunger sparked a new mindset, one that refuses to be outworked or outperformed. The result? A string of victories that solidified his status as the top prospect in the 125-pound weight class.
But Van’s path to the title hasn’t been without challenges. After dominating Rei Tsuruya at UFC 311 and finishing Bruno Silva with a brutal mix of body blows and hooks at UFC 316, Van faced an unexpected opportunity. With just three weeks’ notice, he stepped in to replace Manel Kape against Brandon Royval at UFC 317. In a fight that could have defined him as just another prospect, Van emerged as a legitimate contender, using a late onslaught in the third round to secure the win. Is this the moment that truly set him apart? Some argue it was his willingness to take the fight on short notice; others believe it was his ability to rise to the occasion against a former title challenger. Either way, it was a turning point.
What’s most striking about Van is his humility and genuine excitement. Despite the magnitude of his upcoming bout, he remains grounded. “I’m just happy to be getting back in the cage,” he said, smiling. For someone who logged nine Octagon appearances in his first two years, a five-month layoff felt like an eternity. Now, he’s relishing the chance to face Pantoja, a fighter he respects deeply. “He’s a legend, and I’m just blessed enough to be able to fight him,” Van admitted. But don’t mistake his respect for hesitation. When asked about the fight, he’s clear: “Come fight night, we’re gonna see who’s the better man, and I can’t wait.”
Pantoja, the 35-year-old Brazilian champion, is no pushover. Riding an 8-fight winning streak and seeking his fifth consecutive title defense, he’s a proven force in the division. Yet, questions linger about his place in the all-time rankings. Is Pantoja truly among the greatest flyweight champions in UFC history? Van’s challenge adds another layer to this debate. While Pantoja has dominated recent challengers, Van represents a new breed of fighter—hungry, fearless, and unburdened by the weight of expectations.
Van’s approach to the fight is refreshingly straightforward. “I was very excited for two days, but now it’s like a normal fight,” he said. This mindset, some might call it naivety, could be his greatest strength. By treating the title bout as just another fight, he avoids the mental pressure that has crippled other contenders. But is this the right strategy against a champion as seasoned as Pantoja? Only time will tell.
As fight night approaches, one thing is certain: Joshua Van is ready. “I’m confident everywhere the fight goes,” he declared. “It’s going to be a hard fight, but I’m planning on knocking him out inside three rounds.” Bold words from a young challenger, but Van has a habit of backing them up. Whether you believe he’s the future of the flyweight division or just another contender, one thing is undeniable—this fight will be a defining moment in his career.
So, what do you think? Can Joshua Van dethrone Alexandre Pantoja and claim the flyweight title? Or will Pantoja’s experience prove too much for the young challenger? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t miss UFC 323: Dvalishvili vs Yan 2, live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on December 6, 2025. Early prelims start at 6pm ET/3pm PT, followed by the prelims at 8pm ET/5pm PT and the main card live on PPV at 10pm ET/7pm PT. The stage is set—will 2025 truly be the year of Joshua Van?
