Just weeks ago, Joshua Van solidified his position as one of the most compelling new forces in the UFC flyweight division. Following a decisive knockout win, he accepted a subsequent bout on incredibly short notice, delivering a performance against a highly-ranked contender that many deemed a potential `Fight of the Year`. This meteoric rise, while thrilling, has immediately thrust him into the glare of title contention and, predictably, introduced a new wave of scrutiny.
The narrative surrounding Van has shifted rapidly. Initially lauded for his willingness to step up and his exciting style, the conversation has quickly pivoted to whether he is “truly ready” for the division`s apex challenge: champion Alexandre Pantoja. For Van, this skepticism is less noise, more background hum. He sees the comments, acknowledges the opinions, but they appear to have minimal impact on his self-assessment or preparation.
“You know how the fans are,” Van remarked, reflecting on the constant commentary. “We win the fight. Now people are saying I`m not ready for the title fight and this and that.” His response is direct and pragmatic, devoid of ego despite the recent successes. “What are they going to say when we win that belt? We’re just trying to stay in our lane and grind. Like we did every day.”
Van`s confidence isn`t an unearned swagger; it`s rooted in his belief that styles make fights and that his capabilities match up favorably, even against a dominant champion. He points to his recent victory over Brandon Royval as evidence, noting that Royval had bested many others in the division whom Pantoja also defeated. The logic is simple: if he can overcome those who troubled the champion`s previous opponents, why wouldn`t he pose a unique threat himself?
Navigating the Grappling Question Mark
The primary question mark consistently raised over Van`s title aspirations pertains to his ability to navigate Pantoja`s formidable grappling game. The Brazilian champion is a celebrated black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with a significant number of career wins coming by way of submission. Pantoja possesses the demonstrated skill to ground opponents and pose an immediate, fight-ending threat on the mat.
Van`s response to this specific concern is perhaps the most revealing, blending technical assurance with a touch of personal preference. While his preference for stand-up exchanges is evident – perhaps viewing prolonged ground battles as less… dynamic (“I just don’t like hugging another man in a fight,” he remarked with a touch of pragmatic understatement) – he insists the capability is there. He highlights his solid takedown defense statistics and notes that in past fights where he faced adversity, his ground game became a tactical tool.
He seems almost bemused by the persistent doubt regarding his ground skills. “Who do you see in the UFC that can hold me down? All my previous fights, they took me down but what happened?” The notion that he lacks ground skills entirely is, in his view, inherently flawed; one does not reach this level without foundational defensive skills and tactical awareness on the mat, even if it`s not their preferred domain. “Just imagine how the f*ck am I in the UFC fighting and not knowing no ground? Can you even imagine that shit? Like I’ve got to know a little bit.”
Observing the Champion
Van isn`t just relying on his own skills; he`s observing the champion`s past defenses and drawing conclusions. He noted that previous challengers, perhaps including Kai Kara-France in his recent bout, may have exhibited an excessive degree of respect for Pantoja, potentially hindering their own game plan by fighting hesitantly or outside their strengths. Van intends to approach the fight with belief, not deference.
While the official date and location for the championship bout remain unconfirmed by the promotion, Van is already mentally transitioning to the challenge. He is allowing his body the necessary time to recover from the rapid succession of demanding fights but is clearly focused on the task ahead. His preparation philosophy remains consistent: approach the title fight like any other, trusting his team to devise the winning strategy.
Van`s message to the doubters, whether questioning his readiness or his ability to handle the champion`s specific strengths, is simple and consistent: they will always find a reason to say you`re not ready. But come fight night, Van is confident he will prove them wrong once more.
