Joshua Van’s Meteoric Rise Faces Biggest Test Yet at UFC 317
When you talk about rising stars in the UFC flyweight division, Joshua Van’s name is quickly becoming impossible to ignore. Just two years into his UFC journey, the 23-year-old phenom stepped into the spotlight at UFC 317 against veteran Brandon Royval—and not by accident. Originally a short-notice replacement for the injured Manel Kape, Van turned that opportunity into a defining moment.
Van’s UFC debut came in mid-2023, and in less than 24 months, he had amassed a 7-1 record before walking into the Octagon at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. His previous fight was just three weeks prior at UFC 316, where he delivered a thrilling knockout of Bruno Silva. For most fighters, a three-week turnaround would be insane—but for Van, it was just enough time. As he said during media day, “It’s not really short notice. Three weeks is plenty. I was ready.”
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What makes this story compelling isn’t just the win-loss record or his youth—it’s the magnitude of the challenge he accepted and the stage on which he chose to shine. Brandon Royval isn’t just another fighter. He’s a former title contender, has fought the best in the division including Alexandre Pantoja twice, and he came into UFC 317 as the No. 2 ranked flyweight globally, tied with Kyoji Horiguchi.
Royval felt disrespected going into this fight. The betting odds initially favored Van, and even when they later evened out, Royval made it clear he’s been underrated for most of his career. “I think I’m the most disrespected fighter in the UFC,” he said bluntly. Yet the focus wasn't just on him anymore. It had shifted to Van—the kid who was ready to bulldoze his way into title contention.
Van brought pressure, aggression, and swagger. He said before the fight that beating Royval would secure him a title shot—and he believed it. “After I beat him, I’m going to get the title for sure,” he declared. That kind of confidence isn’t cockiness. It’s clarity. He respects his opponents, but he knows what he brings—relentless pace, power, and a willingness to stand and bang with anyone.
For the fans, this matchup delivered the kind of stylistic clash you crave: two all-action fighters meeting in the center of the cage. No backing up, no stalling—just violence. Van predicted it would be a war, and he wasn't wrong.
Whether you see Van as the next champion or just a bold contender riding momentum, one thing is certain—Joshua Van is no longer flying under the radar. He’s on a collision course with the flyweight elite, and after UFC 317, the entire division has been put on notice.
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