Joshua Van’s breakout performance at UFC 317 on June 29, 2025, has firmly established him as one of the UFC’s most exciting prospects and positioned him for a future title shot in the flyweight division. The 23-year-old delivered a masterful unanimous decision victory over top contender Brandon Royval in what many are already calling a “Fight of the Year” candidate.
A Thrilling, High-Octane Battle
From the opening round at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Van showcased his timing, striking power, and composure against the experienced Royval. Van’s precise counter striking was pivotal early on, as he landed a clean left hand followed by a right that briefly knocked Royval down. Despite Royval’s high-volume output and pressure, Van’s power shots consistently had a greater impact, helping him secure the first round on the judges’ scorecards.
The second round saw Royval increase his aggression, utilizing jabs and leg kicks to control distance. However, Van answered with sharp counters and body shots, maintaining a close and competitive fight. In the final round, both fighters exchanged rapid-fire combinations, with Van landing a significant right hand in the closing minute that visibly rocked Royval. Although Royval attempted to rally, Van’s resilience and precision ultimately sealed the victory.
All three judges scored the bout in Van’s favor, with scorecards reading 29-28, 29-28, and 30-27, underscoring the clear but hard-fought nature of the win.
Record-Breaking Fight and Accolades
The bout set records for the flyweight division, with a combined 419 significant strikes landed, placing it among the top three UFC fights historically for significant strikes. UFC President Dana White praised the fight as an “absolute war” and noted it had already broken into the top 10 all-time for significant strikes by the third round. White also announced he would pay Royval his win money despite the loss, acknowledging Royval’s short-notice acceptance and warrior spirit.
Both Van and Royval earned $50,000 Fight of the Night bonuses for their efforts, highlighting the bout’s exceptional entertainment value.
A Rapid Rise for Joshua Van
Van’s journey to this moment has been swift and impressive. Turning professional in October 2021, he has fought 17 times in under four years, demonstrating a relentless work ethic and rapid development. His current five-fight winning streak includes notable finishes and victories over ranked opponents, culminating in this marquee win over Royval, the No. 1 contender at the time.
Van’s victory at UFC 317 positions him as the next logical challenger for flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja, who successfully defended his title on the same card. Dana White confirmed the winner of Van vs. Royval would face Pantoja, setting up a compelling title fight in the near future.
What’s Next?
With his breakout performance, Joshua Van has announced himself as a force to be reckoned with in the flyweight division. His blend of power, timing, and resilience, combined with his youth and rapid ascent, make him a promising challenger for Pantoja’s title.
Van himself expressed excitement about the future, stating, “I’m ready for whatever comes next. Fighting the best in the division is what I’ve trained for, and I’m hungry to prove myself on the biggest stage.”
Joshua Van’s performance at UFC 317 was a defining moment in his young career. Against a seasoned and tough opponent in Brandon Royval, Van demonstrated the skill, heart, and determination that mark future champions. With a title shot on the horizon, the flyweight division is poised for an electrifying new chapter, and Van is at the forefront of that story.
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