Joshua Van remains grounded and confident despite criticism, as he prepares for a potential UFC flyweight title fight against Alexandre Pantoja, emphasizing his readiness to handle Pantoja’s grappling-heavy style and his belief in his own abilities.
Joshua Van isn’t letting his potential “Fight of the Year” performance against Brandon Royval inflate his ego. He keeps his focus sharp, ignoring others’ opinions as he prepares for a showdown with UFC flyweight champ Alexandre Pantoja.
Just a month ago, Van knocked out Bruno Silva at UFC 316, aiming to climb the rankings. Barely a day later, he jumped at the chance to face Royval at UFC 317, eyeing a championship opportunity.
Critics doubted his ability to hang with Royval, especially on short notice. Yet, Van emerged victorious in a thrilling battle, only to hear skeptics dismiss his chances against Pantoja.
“You know how fans are—‘Joshua Van isn’t ready,’” Van told MMA Fighting. “We win, and they still doubt us. What will they say when we win the belt?”
Van isn’t claiming he’ll steamroll Pantoja, but he’s got the confidence of a future champion. He believes he can beat anyone in the flyweight division, including Pantoja.
“He’s beating all the guys, but styles make fights,” Van said. “Royval beat everyone except the champ, and I beat him. It’s just an opinion.”
Despite the doubters, Van stays unfazed. “I could be the greatest, and people would still find a way to put me down. I don’t mind that.”
A key question looms: Can Van handle Pantoja’s grappling-heavy style? Pantoja boasts 12 submission wins, including his recent victory over Kai Kara-France.
Van’s got an 81% takedown defense rate and has only been submitted once. He’s ready for whatever Pantoja throws but won’t shy away from grappling exchanges.
“I’m always confident. I just don’t like hugging another man in a fight,” Van quipped. “But I’ve got ground skills in my back pocket. When it’s time, I use them.”
In the UFC, who can hold Van down? He’s been taken down before but always bounced back. “Of course, me and my team believe in ourselves. My coaches will find a way to beat the champ.”
Belief in himself led Van to take the short-notice fight against Royval and win. He carries that same attitude into the fight with Pantoja.
Van saw respect, maybe too much, in Pantoja’s last title defense. “Kai showed too much respect,” Van observed. “I don’t know if he was hurt, but he didn’t fight his fight.”
No official call from the UFC yet, but Van’s mentally preparing for Pantoja while letting his body recover. Training camp will be business as usual, with no fear of Pantoja’s ground game.
“They’ll always say you’re not ready,” Van said. “Imagine being in the UFC without knowing ground skills? I’ll be ready come fight day.”