Joshua Van – UFC Flyweight Champion Record and Next Fight

Joshua Van Bawi Thawng – known simply as Joshua Van – is a 24-year-old Myanmar‑born mixed martial artist who currently reigns as the UFC Flyweight Champion. Born on October 10, 2001, in Hakha, Chin State, Myanmar, Van fled war and poverty before building a life in the United States. He now fights out of Houston, Texas, and made history as the first Burmese fighter ever to sign with the UFC.

Van’s rise to the top of the flyweight division has been swift. He captured the title in December 2025 with a stunning first‑round TKO of Alexandre Pantoja, becoming the second‑youngest champion in UFC history and the first champion born in the 2000s. His story is one of resilience, dual heritage, and relentless striking pressure.

Who is Joshua Van? – Nationality, Age, and Background

• Van holds dual Burmese and American nationality, a heritage that sets him apart in the flyweight division.
• At 17‑2‑0 overall, he has a finish rate of 64.7% (7 KO/TKO, 2 submission wins).
• His UFC record stands at 10‑1‑0, with an active 7‑fight win streak (2024–2026).
• Van’s striking volume is historic: his 8.43 significant strikes landed per minute is the highest in UFC history across all weight classes.
• He is the first Asian‑born male UFC champion, and the second Asian‑born male champion overall.
• His nickname, “The Fearless,” reflects a fighting style built on aggression and pressure.
• Van’s next fight has not yet been officially announced as of July 2026.

Joshua Van Nationality: Burmese and American

Van was born in Hakha, Chin State, Myanmar, and speaks both Burmese and English. He holds dual Burmese and American nationality, as confirmed by official bios and Wikipedia. He is widely recognized as the first Burmese fighter to win a UFC bout, a milestone he achieved in June 2023 against Zhalgas Zhumagulov.

Joshua Van Age and Height

At 24 years old, Van stands 5’5″ (165 cm) with a 65″ reach. His physical dimensions are typical for the flyweight division, but his power and striking output are exceptional. He has been fighting professionally since 2019, compiling a 17‑2‑0 record before turning 25.

What is Joshua Van’s MMA Record? – Stats and Performance

Joshua Van Record: 17‑2‑0

Van’s professional record stands at 17 wins and 2 losses, with no draws. Of those wins, 7 came by knockout or TKO and 2 by submission, giving him a finish rate of 64.7%. His UFC record is 10‑1‑0, with the sole loss occurring early in his promotional tenure. According to UFC Stats, his striking accuracy is 57% and he lands 8.43 significant strikes per minute – the highest SLpM in UFC history across all weight classes.

Joshua Van Losses: A Closer Look

Van has suffered only two professional losses. The first came in his early career, before he joined the UFC. The second loss occurred inside the Octagon, but he has since rebounded with a seven‑fight winning streak that includes a championship victory and a successful title defense. His resilience and ability to adjust have been key to his ascent.

When is Joshua Van’s Next Fight? – Upcoming Bouts and Potential Opponents

Joshua Van Next Fight: Scheduled Opponent and Date

As of July 2026, no official announcement has been made regarding Van’s next fight. He last competed on May 9, 2026, at UFC 328, where he successfully defended his flyweight belt against Japanese contender Tatsuro Taira. The UFC has not yet confirmed a third title defense. Fans should monitor official UFC channels for updates.

Is Joshua Van Fighting Tatsuro Taira?

That matchup has already taken place. Van defeated Tatsuro Taira at UFC 328 on May 9, 2026, via a decision (exact method not specified in available records). Taira, an undefeated prospect at the time, was a significant test for the young champion. The question now is who will be next – possible contenders include top‑ranked flyweights like Brandon Royval (a rematch) or Alexandre Pantoja (a rematch of Van’s title win).

Joshua Van Timeline – Career Milestones

1. October 10, 2001 – Born in Hakha, Chin State, Myanmar.
2. Unknown – Immigrated to the United States, settling in Houston, Texas.
3. 2019–2021 – Began professional MMA career, compiling early wins.
4. 2022 – Signed with the UFC.
5. June 2023 – UFC debut; first Burmese fighter to win in the promotion (defeated Zhalgas Zhumagulov).
6. June 28, 2025 – Defeated Brandon Royval at UFC 317, setting a flyweight striking record (419 significant strikes).
7. December 6, 2025 – Won UFC Flyweight Championship at UFC 323 by TKO of Alexandre Pantoja (26 seconds, round 1).
8. May 9, 2026 – First title defense: defeated Tatsuro Taira at UFC 328.

What Do We Know for Certain About Joshua Van?