Joshua Van became the UFC flyweight champion at UFC 323 after Alexandre Pantoja suffered an arm injury 26 seconds into their fight, leading to criticism of Van’s celebratory reaction despite not defeating Pantoja in the octagon.
Joshua Van achieved his dream of becoming a champion at UFC 323. However, the victory came after Alexandre Pantoja suffered a severe arm injury just 26 seconds into the fight.
Van celebrated with the flyweight title around his waist, but not everyone was thrilled. Critics, both fighters and fans, weren’t happy with his celebration, feeling he hadn’t truly defeated Pantoja.
Despite the backlash, Van seemed unfazed. UFC legend Matt Brown understands why the young fighter reacted as he did.
Brown shared his thoughts on “The Fighter vs. The Writer.” He said, “I don’t want to hate on Joshua Van for it. This dude has spent his whole life reaching this goal.”
Brown emphasized the difficulty of achieving such a dream. “It’s not like wanting a million-dollar net worth. It’s an insanely hard-to-reach goal, and he got it.”
Brown himself never won a UFC title but scored some memorable knockouts. He understands the intense emotions that come with a big win.
He doesn’t blame Van for celebrating, though he admits he might not have done the same. “I’d like to think I wouldn’t be so happy,” Brown explained.
Van later expressed hope that Pantoja wasn’t seriously injured. He even mentioned wanting a rematch in the future.
Brown finds it disappointing that Van holds the title without being seen as the best flyweight. It reminds him of Anderson Silva’s injury against Chris Weidman.
He reflected on how history will remember Van as a champion. “People will see his name and know he was a champion,” Brown said.
Pantoja’s return remains uncertain as he awaits a diagnosis. Meanwhile, Van moves forward, defending his title.
Brown concluded, “I’d be stoic about it. The belt signifies you’re the best, but if you didn’t beat the best, are you really?”
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