UFC flyweight challenger Joshua Van has a clear message for anyone questioning his place in this weekend’s championship fight: his age is irrelevant. The 24-year-old phenom faces reigning champion Alexandre Pantoja in the UFC 323 co-main event with a chance to become one of the youngest titleholders in promotion history.
“I’m ready. I’ve been ready,” Van stated firmly in a recent interview. “People talk about my age like it’s a disadvantage, but I have nine UFC fights. I’ve earned this. My focus isn’t on the noise; it’s 100% on Pantoja and that belt.”
A Shot at Making History
Van’s rapid ascent has been one of the more surprising stories in the flyweight division. His upcoming fight against Pantoja, a seasoned veteran known for his explosive grappling and durability, represents a monumental step up in competition.
“This is the moment I’ve worked for since I started,” Van said. “Pantoja is a great champion, but I’m not here just to compete. I’m here to win and make a statement.”
A victory would see Van join an elite club of UFC champions who captured gold before turning 25, a list that includes legends like Jon Jones and Jose Aldo. It’s a historic opportunity that he refuses to take lightly, despite the external scepticism.
Dismissing the “Too Young” Narrative
The primary criticism surrounding Van’s title shot centres on experience. Pantoja has faced a who’s who of the division across 17 UFC bouts, while Van is still viewed by some as a prospect. Van, however, sees his youth and activity as key advantages.
“I’ve fought four times in the last year. I’m sharp, I’m hungry, and I’m improving every camp,” he explained. “Experience isn’t just about how many years you have; it’s about the quality of those fights. I’ve been tested.”
Van admits he didn’t initially game-plan for Pantoja, expecting a different opponent, but has since fully pivoted his training camp to solve the puzzle the champion presents. “We’ve broken down every detail. I know what I’m walking into, and I have the tools to win.”
The Stakes at UFC 323
The flyweight title fight adds a layer of fresh intrigue to a card headlined by a bantamweight title rematch. For Van, it’s the ultimate platform to prove that merit, not mileage, should determine a contender’s worth.
“On Saturday night, all the talk stops,” Van concluded. “It’s just me and him in there. I’m not thinking about being young or proving people wrong anymore. I’m thinking about being a UFC champion. That’s it.”
Whether Joshua Van can dethrone Alexandre Pantoja remains to be seen, but his confidence is undeniable. At UFC 323, the rising star gets his chance to turn potential into legacy.
