Myanmar's Joshua Van delivered a career-defining performance at UFC 317: Topuria vs. Oliveira, defeating No. 1 ranked flyweight Brandon Royval in a record-setting fight to become the next challenger for the UFC flyweight title. The bout took place June 29 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas during UFC International Fight Week, in front of a sold-out crowd of 19,800, generating a live gate of $11.3 million.
Van, 23, accepted the fight on short notice after Royval’s original opponent, Manel Kape, withdrew due to injury. Just three weeks earlier, Van had secured a TKO win at UFC 316 in his first Top 15 appearance. He capitalized on the opportunity at UFC 317 with a unanimous decision win over Royval in what is already being hailed as a Fight of the Year contender.
“We knew we were here for a war,” said Van. “Like the Diaz brothers say: you never lose a fight, you just run out of time. The winner of the title fight tonight—they’re going to have to see me.”
The fight broke multiple UFC records, including the most significant strikes in a three-round fight (419) and most in a flyweight bout, with both Van and Royval landing over 200 each. Van now holds the UFC record for most consecutive fights with over 100 significant strikes (six).
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The performance earned both fighters Fight of the Night bonuses. After the decision was read, Van was brought into the Octagon to face off with reigning champion Alexandre Pantoja, who successfully defended his title earlier in the night.
“He’s a humble guy,” said Pantoja. “He deserves to fight for the title next.”
UFC President Dana White confirmed Van’s next-in-line status:
“He’s the number one contender. It’s obviously the fight to make right now.”
Born in Hakha, Myanmar, Van is the only Myanmar-born fighter on the UFC roster and will become just the third Asian-born male athlete to fight for a UFC title.
“Joshua Van's rise has captivated fans across Asia,” said Kevin Chang, UFC Vice President and Head of Asia. “He's given Myanmar a true sporting icon.”
Notable Stats from Van’s Performance:
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Most significant strikes in a 3-round fight: 419
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Most significant strikes in a flyweight bout: 419
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First fight in UFC history with both fighters landing over 200 significant strikes
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UFC record for six consecutive fights with 100+ significant strikes
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Ranks #1 in strikes landed per minute (8.86)
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Ranks #1 in flyweight striking differential (2.5)
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Ranks #2 in total flyweight significant strikes landed (1097)
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Ranks #5 in longest flyweight win streak (5)
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