(Video) Dana White Stunned After Learning the Age of UFC Flyweight Champion Joshua Van

Joshua Van has the potential to become a generational superstar in Dana White's promotion if he can keep winning.

(Video) Dana White Stunned After Learning the Age of UFC Flyweight Champion Joshua Van

Dana White and Joshua Van (Image via MMA Fighting)

UFC CEO Dana White once decided to shut down the flyweight division back in 2019. At that time, Henry Cejudo saved the division, and it has produced stellar champions like Brandon Moreno, Alexandre Pantoja, and Joshua Van ever since.

Today, the division is among the best in the promotion when it comes to high-octane fighting style. The best example of that came at UFC 331 when Van defended his belt against Pantoja in a five-round battle. Following his victory, Van met with White and Hunter Campbell backstage.

The Burmese-American fighter is very active in the promotion, and has fought 12 times in the last three years since his debut. White admitted that Van vs Pantoja 2 was one of the greatest title fights in the history of the flyweight division.

Then, White praised Van for getting better every time he fights in the octagon. Following up on that, the UFC boss asked the champion about his age, and got to know that the champion was 24. White was stunned and shook Van’s hands before going on his way.

The video has gone viral on social media for all the wrong reasons. Many fans criticized Dana White for not knowing the age of his promotion’s champion. This falls in line with some prominent journalists criticizing White about his lack of commitment to the UFC.

On the other hand, Van can reign as the flyweight champion for years and even try to break the records held by Jon Jones. He has defeated the toughest tests of his division in the form of Pantoja and Tatsuro Taira. Manel Kape is likely next for the Burmese-American champion, with whom he has beef with.

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Joshua Van talks about the injury he suffered before UFC 331 title fight

It was not a smooth night for Joshua Van at UFC 331. Alexandre Pantoja went after him offensively from the first minute till the last. The champion had to stay composed to not get caught by the pressure of Pantoja.

Joshua Van defeated Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 331
Joshua Van defeated Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 331 (Image via UFC X Account)

What made the bout more difficult was the injury he suffered before the fight. During his interview with Ariel Helwani, the champion spoke about his injuring his AC joint during the training camp.

I couldn’t even train boxing. I couldn’t train wrestling. I couldn’t do nothing. All I did was run. For three weeks I couldn’t really do anything. I couldn’t spar, I couldn’t do nothing… Pantoja was already saying I was scared to fight him. I was the main event, so I was like, ‘I can’t pull out.’

Joshua Van told Ariel Helwani

Van has worked very hard to improve his grappling defense. Even without a proper training camp, the Burmese-American star got back up to his feet whenever he was taken down and dished out damage on the feet to secure a unanimous decision win at UFC 331.

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Joshua Van may already be a top 2 flyweight of all time

The current flyweight champion has already broken two records in the UFC flyweight division. He has landed the most significant strikes and has the highest significant strike accuracy as well in the 125-pound division.

Joshua Van inside the octagon
Joshua Van inside the octagon (Image via ESPN)

Moreover, he is the reigning flyweight champion with two title defenses at just 24 years of age. Yahoo writer, Chuck Mindenhall, told Ariel Helwani that Van could already be a top two flyweight of all time.

You just know you’re watching something special… When you look at the stats, you go, ‘Is he already a top-five flyweight of all time in the UFC at 24 years old?’ He’s not top five. He’s top three, if he’s not already the second best. If you look at the significant strikes, the winning streak, all the things that he’s doing at 24 years old, it’s phenomenal.

Chuck Mindenhall told Ariel Helwani

Last time a fighter was on this trajectory was Jon Jones after winning the light heavyweight title at 23 years of age. It remains to be seen if Van can continue his rise and establish himself as a top star in the UFC for years to come.

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