Joshua Van vs. Brandon Royval: Did UFC 317 Deliver the Fight of the Year?

By Ali Hammad July 01, 2025 04:14

The flyweight clash between Joshua Van and Brandon Royval at UFC 317 on June 29, 2025, has sparked fervent debate among fight fans and analysts: Did this elite flyweight thriller deliver the Fight of the Year? While the main event saw Ilia Topuria's brutal knockout, it was the relentless, back-and-forth action of Van vs. Royval that earned unanimous praise and a "Fight of the Night" bonus.

A Non-Stop War From Start to Finish

From the opening bell at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, both fighters engaged in a high-octane battle that pushed the limits of the flyweight division. Joshua Van (15-2 MMA, 8-1 UFC) secured a unanimous decision victory over Brandon Royval (17-8 MMA, 7-4 UFC) with scorecards of 29-28, 29-28, and 30-27. But the scores barely tell the story of the intensity.

Van, at just 23 years old, displayed remarkable composure and striking prowess, timing his exchanges effectively and landing the more impactful blows in the first round. Royval, the No. 1 contender, responded with his signature high-volume combinations and relentless pressure.

Historic Striking and Unyielding Resilience

UFC President Dana White, visibly impressed, revealed that the fight saw an astonishing 419 significant strikes combined, breaking records for the flyweight division and ranking among the top three all-time for significant strikes in UFC history. This relentless output underscored the non-stop action that captivated audiences.

In the third round, as Royval surged with increased aggression, Van summoned his resilience. In the final minute, he landed a significant right hand that briefly dropped Royval, a pivotal moment that likely sealed the decision in his favor. Even as the final horn sounded, Royval remained unsteady, a testament to the power and accuracy of Van's late strikes.

Fight of the Night Honors and Dana White’s Praise

Unsurprisingly, both Joshua Van and Brandon Royval were awarded $50,000 "Fight of the Night" bonuses for their thrilling performance. Dana White went a step further, announcing he would pay Royval his win money despite the loss, acknowledging that Royval took the fight on short notice against a ranked opponent and delivered an "absolute war". White even suggested the bout could be considered among the "top 10 fights in UFC history".

Impact on the Flyweight Division

Beyond the excitement, the fight had significant implications for the flyweight division. Before the bout, White indicated that the victor would face the winner of the co-main event, which saw flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja retain his title. This positions Van, who is now on a five-fight win streak, as a legitimate contender for the championship.

Royval, despite the loss, proved his mettle, further solidifying his reputation as an exciting and durable fighter. This performance, even in defeat, underscored his elite status in the division.

A Strong Contender for Fight of the Year

While the year is far from over, the Joshua Van vs. Brandon Royval bout at UFC 317 stands as a strong candidate for Fight of the Year. The sheer volume of significant strikes, the back-and-forth momentum shifts, the late knockdown, and the undeniable heart displayed by both fighters make it a truly memorable contest. It was a technical masterclass blended with raw aggression, delivering exactly what fans hope for in a high-stakes MMA fight. Whether it ultimately takes the top spot remains to be seen, but its place in UFC lore as an "elite flyweight thriller" is already secured