Joshua Van – MMA Rising Star’s Journey and Key Achievements
Joshua Van is making waves in mixed martial arts, fighting in the Flyweight division of the UFC and quickly earning a reputation among top contenders. Born on October 10, 2001, Van brings his Burmese-American roots and the spirit of Houston, Texas with him every time he steps into the cage. Fans call him “The Fearless”—and, honestly, you can see why. He never backs down, and his fighting style? It’s all-out aggression, no matter who’s across from him.
At just 23, Van’s already built up a record that turns heads. He trains out of 4oz Fight Club, one of those gyms you hear about for all the right reasons, and he’s climbing the flyweight ranks fast. With a mix of sharp striking and slick grappling, this guy keeps every fight unpredictable. You never really know what’s coming, and that’s got MMA fans everywhere watching closely.
If you’re into stats—hey, who isn’t?—here’s a quick look:
| Name | Record | Height | Weight | Team | Ranking (Flyweight) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joshua Van | 14-2-0 | 5’5” | 125 lbs | 4oz Fight Club | #11 (Flyweight) |
Want to dig deeper? Take a look at his Tapology profile for all the details.
Contents
Who Is Joshua Van?
Joshua Van is blazing a trail for Burmese MMA fighters everywhere. He broke through as the first athlete from Myanmar to compete in the UFC flyweight division. By age 23, he’d already shot up the world rankings.
Early Life and Background
Joshua Van was born October 10, 2001, in Hakha, Myanmar. He spent his early years there before moving to the U.S.
Growing up in a Burmese-English household, he learned to mix cultures, which shaped how he sees the world—inside and outside the cage.
He got interested in combat sports early on, thanks to family influences and the worldwide boom in martial arts. Van trained hard, making martial arts a huge part of who he is. That early focus gave him a strong base for his athletic career.
Rise to MMA Stardom
Van kicked off his pro MMA journey in 2021, fighting first in regional shows. He racked up wins and caught attention for his cool head and skill.
By 2023, he signed with the UFC and made his debut against Zhalgas Zhumagulov at UFC on ABC: Emmett vs. Topuria. He won by split decision—making headlines as the first Burmese fighter to notch a UFC win.
After that, Van climbed the UFC flyweight rankings, hitting #10 by June 2025. Right now, he stands at 14 wins and 2 losses. That’s a record that tells you a lot about his work ethic and ability to adapt.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Age | 23 |
| Nationality | Burmese-American |
| Record | 14 wins, 2 losses |
| UFC Flyweight Rank | #10 (as of June 2025) |
| UFC Debut | June 24, 2023 |
The Fearless: Nickname and Persona
They call Joshua Van “The Fearless” in MMA circles. That nickname fits his style and attitude perfectly.
He’s always ready to fight the best, using agility, power, and sharp tactics. Van connects with fans in Myanmar, the U.S., and really, all over.
His calm under fire and steady rise up the ranks have earned respect from athletes and fans alike. Being both Burmese and American, he’s become a symbol for young fighters with big dreams.
Professional MMA Career
Joshua Van has built his MMA career step by step, with steady progress and some big moments along the way.
MMA Record and Accomplishments
Van jumped into the pro MMA scene with a strong start. By June 2025, he’d put together 14 wins and 2 losses. Out of those wins, 7 came by knockout—so yeah, he’s got hands.
He became the first Burmese fighter to sign with the UFC, which boosted his profile, especially in the flyweight division. His aggressive style and will to finish fights have made several of his wins highlight-reel material.
Key accomplishments:
- Ranked #10 UFC Flyweight as of June 2025
- Multiple knockout victories
- Shot up the rankings fast
- Represents both Myanmar and the U.S.
| Statistic | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Fights | 16 |
| Wins | 14 |
| Losses | 2 |
| Knockout Wins | 7 |
| UFC Ranking (2025) | #10 |
Fight History Highlights
Van’s fight history is a mix of stoppages and decisions. Early on, he built momentum by finishing opponents with speed and power.
He picked up big wins in regional shows that set him up for bigger stages. Some of his fights ended in the first or second round, either by KO or TKO. His only losses came by close decision—never by stoppage—which says a lot about his grit.
Fans have noticed his ability to adjust against more experienced fighters. He often headlined cards early in his career, becoming a main attraction.
Transition to UFC
Joshua Van made his UFC debut as the first Burmese fighter in the promotion’s history. After signing, he wasted no time making an impact in the flyweight division.
His style fit the UFC perfectly. Van picked up wins that got him noticed by rankings voters and analysts. Each event, he showed off crisp striking and relentless pace, making himself a tough matchup.
By June 2025, Van broke into the UFC top ten. He keeps moving up and the buzz around his future fights just keeps growing.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Joshua Van fights aggressively in the UFC flyweight division. He mixes sharp striking, a growing submission game, strong defense, and physical attributes that suit his style.
Striking Techniques
Van loves to push the pace on his feet, making opponents react instead of set up their own attacks. He uses quick jabs and fast combos, which makes him tough to deal with at close and mid-range.
He lands more significant strikes per minute than most flyweights. Knockouts and TKOs are a big part of his record, showing off his speed and power. His head kicks and counters keep opponents guessing, and he often turns defense into offense by slipping punches and firing back.
Here’s a quick look at his striking stats:
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Striking Accuracy | High |
| Significant Strikes Landed/Min | Above 4.5 |
| Notable KO/TKO Wins | Yes |
| Head Kick Knockouts | Occasional |
Submission Game
While Van’s background is mostly striking, he’s been working on his submission skills. When the fight hits the mat, he looks for opportunities—especially rear-naked chokes and armlocks.
He has tried submissions in several fights, but finishes by sub are still rare for him. Still, his athleticism shines when scrambling for position. He doesn’t get stuck in bad spots for long and uses the threat of submissions to open up his striking.
Key points about his submission game:
- Looks for rear-naked chokes from the back
- Good grip fighting and hand control on the mat
- Transitions quickly from sub attempts to ground and pound
Defense and Tactics
Defensively, Van’s movement is one of his best weapons. He’s built solid takedown defense, making it tough for opponents to get him down.
He circles out of trouble and uses footwork to avoid clinches and grappling. His defensive tactics keep fights standing, right where he wants them.
Van’s head movement and use of angles cut down on the big shots he takes. He reads timing well and counters when the window opens.
Some of his defensive highlights:
- Strong takedown defense, even against good wrestlers
- Slips and rolls to dodge big strikes
- Keeps the pressure on without getting reckless
Stance and Physical Attributes
Van fights at 5’5” in the flyweight division, usually from an orthodox stance. He relies on a steady jab and quick feet to control distance.
His reach is about average for flyweight, but he makes up for it with timing and explosiveness. His compact build helps him stay strong in exchanges—both on offense and defense.
The blend of height, reach, and fast footwork lets him dart in and out before opponents can react. His physical tools support his aggressive style and help him defend takedowns.
Table: Physical Attributes
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’5” |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Reach | Average (Flyweight) |
| Weight | 125 lbs (Flyweight) |
UFC Journey
Joshua Van has made a quick impact in the UFC flyweight division. He’s the first fighter from Myanmar to compete in the UFC, and he’s already earned a spot among the division’s top talents.
Debut and Early UFC Fights
Van jumped into the UFC on short notice, debuting at UFC on ABC 5. Before that, he’d made a name for himself with a strong amateur run and by winning Fury FC gold. He took a tough assignment right away, showing off his confidence from the start.
His first UFC fights showed a mix of striking and grappling, and he got noticed for how quickly he adjusted inside the Octagon. Van’s willingness to take on tough opponents, even as a newcomer, built his reputation for fearlessness and skill.
Here’s a look at his UFC record from year one:
| Event | Opponent | Result | Method | Round |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UFC on ABC 5 | Zhalgas Zhumagulov | Win | Decision (split) | 3 |
| UFC Fight Night 234 | Felipe Bunes | Win | KO/TKO (punches) | 1 |
| UFC 306 | Steve Erceg | Loss | Decision (unanimous) | 3 |
UFC Rankings and Standings
By June 2025, Van’s performances had pushed him into the top ten. According to Wikipedia, he held the #10 spot in the UFC flyweight rankings—a big deal for someone with only a handful of UFC fights.
He’s recognized as the first Burmese athlete in UFC history. His quick rise in the rankings speaks to his skill and determination, especially in such a stacked division. Van’s spot in the top ten means he’s in the mix for big fights, and who knows—maybe we’ll see him on a huge card like UFC 310 or UFC 316 soon.
Performance at UFC Events
Alright, let’s talk about Joshua Van inside the Octagon. The guy brings sharp striking, quick reactions, and cardio for days. In those wild back-and-forth battles, he keeps his cool and never lets the pace drop. You can see him either finishing fights early or grinding out close decisions—he’s just that versatile in the flyweight mix.
Remember that dramatic finish at UFC Fight Night 234? That was something. He also put on a real show at UFC 306. Van adapts on the fly, mixing power shots with slick takedowns. Every time he hits the main card, you know you’re in for a good one in this fast-moving flyweight scene.
Notable Fights and Opponents
Joshua Van has tangled with a lineup of skilled opponents, notching quick finishes and making smart decisions in the cage. His record? It’s a mix—he’s beaten up-and-comers and veterans, and he’s finished fights by submission, knockout, and decision.
Key Victories and Methods
One of Van’s big wins came when he locked in a rear naked choke on Cleveland McLean. That showed he can finish things on the mat. He scored a TKO against Francisco Obando, landing clean punches to close it out early.
When Van stopped Tyler Bialecki by submission, it was his aggressive grappling on display. He took out Felipe Bunes by TKO in the UFC, proving he’s got power at the top level. Not only does he finish fights, he does it against guys with real records, which keeps his opponents guessing and boosts his stock.
Here’s a quick look at some of those wins:
| Opponent | Method | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland McLean | Submission | Fury FC 72 |
| Francisco Obando | TKO (Punches) | Fury FC 57 |
| Tyler Bialecki | Submission | Fury FC |
| Felipe Bunes | TKO (Punches) | UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Walker 2 |
High-Profile Opponents
Van has squared off with a mix of established names and hungry newcomers. He’s gone toe-to-toe with UFC vets like Zhalgas Zhumagulov and Charles Johnson, both known for their toughness. When he faced prospects like Kevin Borjas and Rei Tsuruya, he got tested in every area.
He’s fought on some big cards, and those performances got fans and media buzzing. Sure, he hasn’t fought champions like Brandon Moreno or Alexandre Pantoja yet, but taking on solid guys like Cody Durden and Édgar Cháirez shows where he’s headed in this deep flyweight division.
Facing all these different styles? That’s forced Van to adapt fast, picking up tricks along the way. These matchups are shaping him into a guy who can hang with anyone.
Decision Wins and Losses
Van’s not just a finisher—he’s gone the distance and pulled out unanimous decision wins, showing he can keep up the pace and stay sharp for three rounds. That says a lot about his conditioning and discipline.
He’s also dropped some close decisions, especially earlier in his career against more seasoned grapplers or strikers. Those tough fights exposed some holes, but he’s worked to patch them up and get better.
You can see his evolution—he used to lean on finishes, now he’s winning on the scorecards too. Decision results against names like Chase Eastham and Paris Moran show his progress and grit.
Joshua Van in the Flyweight Division
Joshua Van’s making waves in the UFC flyweight division. He’s climbed the rankings fast, and fans and analysts are starting to take notice.
Weight Class and Physique
Van fights at flyweight, where the limit is 125 pounds. This division is all about speed and technique, not just raw power. Van’s listed at 125 pounds, right on the money for this class.
He stands 5’5” with a solid reach, and he really knows how to use it—mixing quick footwork with sharp strikes. In this weight class, guys like Van rely on movement and cardio to outwork their opponents. It’s not like bantamweight, where fighters carry more muscle, so Van’s got to stay lean but strong.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’5″ (1.65 m) |
| Weight | 125 lb (56.7 kg) |
| Division | Flyweight |
Division Competition
The UFC flyweight division? It’s loaded with technical killers. Van stands out as the first Burmese fighter in the UFC, which is pretty cool.
Since his debut, he’s rattled off four straight wins in the flyweight class, jumping into the top ten. This division is stacked with former champs and hot prospects. You’ve got to keep improving just to stay in the mix.
Van’s recent fights against tough veterans have turned heads. He shows he can adjust to different styles, proving he belongs in this crowded weight class. If you want to check his latest stats or background, his official UFC athlete profile has the details.
Fury Fighting Championship Career
Joshua Van made some serious noise in Fury Fighting Championship. His run in their flyweight division put him on the map and set him up for the UFC leap.
Road to Fury FC Flyweight Championship
Van started out in Fury FC as a hungry up-and-comer, eyes locked on the flyweight belt. He caught attention right away with his aggressive style and knack for finishing fights. His early bouts? A mix of crisp striking and relentless grappling.
As he picked up steam, Van took on tougher competition. Training camps got more intense, and his focus paid off with a string of victories. Each win pushed him closer to a title shot.
In one key fight, Van had to dig deep after taking some early heat. His resilience showed, and he managed to finish fights by both KO and submission during this run. That stretch set up his shot at the Fury FC flyweight crown.
Highlights in Fury FC
Van racked up some highlight-reel wins in Fury FC, including stoppages that got the attention of bigger promotions. He scored both TKOs and submissions, showing he’s got a well-rounded game.
Here’s a quick snapshot of his Fury FC stats:
| Fight Date | Opponent | Result | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 18, 2022 | Paris Moran | Win | TKO |
| Aug 14, 2022 | Fury FC 72 Opp. | Win | Decision/TKO* |
| *May not represent actual opponent |
His performances showcased strong striking and solid defense against experienced flyweights. Van became known for making smart adjustments during fights. Those traits got the UFC’s attention and helped him stand out in Fury Fighting Championship.
Training and Life Outside the Cage
Joshua Van juggles a tough MMA career with loyalty to his coaches, Houston, and the community that’s rallied around him. Focused training, local support, and a growing media presence keep him moving forward.
Training Camp and Coaching
Van splits his time between several Houston gyms. He works closely with coaches who sharpen his striking, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu. At Aztlan Boxing Gym, he works on his hands, while Temple Construction pushes his MMA and fitness. Active Jiu-Jitsu gives him that extra edge on the ground.
He got his start at Precision, where coach Scott Juarez helped guide him early on. Over time, Van built a tight circle of trainers who focus on discipline and technique, not just flash. Sparring, film study, and drilling are staples of his weekly grind.
Training Breakdown Table
| Gym | Focus | Key Coach(es) |
|---|---|---|
| Aztlan Boxing Gym | Boxing | Renzo/Boxing Team |
| Active Jiu-Jitsu | Grappling/Jiu-Jitsu | Jiu-Jitsu Staff |
| Temple Construction | MMA/Conditioning | MMA Conditioning |
| Precision | Foundation, MMA | Scott Juarez |
Life in Houston, Texas
Houston means a lot to Joshua Van, both as a fighter and a person. After moving from Myanmar, his family set down roots in this diverse, hard-working city. Houston’s sports culture and MMA gym scene are top-notch.
He lives and trains right in Houston, drawing energy from the people around him. Being part of this city lets Van connect with other young athletes from immigrant backgrounds. The local fight scene and multicultural vibe push him to adapt and keep growing.
When he’s not training, Joshua keeps things simple—family time, relaxing in parks, and grabbing meals at his favorite local spots. That downtime helps him stay balanced.
Community and Media Presence
As Van’s UFC profile rises, so does the media attention. He shares his story from Myanmar to Houston in interviews, podcasts, and local media spots. He keeps it real—talking about his background, training, and what drives him.
He’s become a role model for Houston’s Burmese and immigrant youth, often showing up at community events. Through social and outreach, he talks up discipline and hard work, on and off the mats.
His growing fanbase brings more eyes to Houston gyms and live shows. Van knows he’s helping put MMA—and his city—on the map. You’ll see him in local press and online, making a name for himself. There’s more on his story at The Scrap.
Stats and Analytics
Joshua Van has built a reputation for aggressive striking and a relentless pace in the octagon. The stats back it up—he’s all about forward pressure, looking to overwhelm with volume and accuracy.
Takedown Metrics
Van doesn’t rely much on takedowns. Most of his fights show he’d rather trade punches than wrestle for control.
Here’s how his takedown stats look:
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Takedowns Landed | Low frequency |
| Takedowns Attempted | Limited |
| Takedown Accuracy | Not a major factor |
He’s got fast hands and quick feet. While some flyweights go heavy on wrestling, Van likes to stay on his feet and keep things moving. So, if you’re hoping for a wrestling clinic, you probably won’t get it from him.
Fight Night Performance
On fight night, Van brings volume and accuracy to the cage. He averages over 8 significant strikes per minute and lands them at a sharp 54% clip. Defensively, he absorbs about 5.26 strikes per minute but dodges plenty with a 59% defense rate.
Van holds a professional record of 14-2, with 7 knockouts and 2 submissions. That says he knows how to finish, and he often does it with aggressive combos. You can check out more of his numbers at UFC Stats.
His forward pressure and high output usually give him the edge, especially against opponents who can’t keep up with his speed or intensity.
Joshua Van’s Identity and Names
Joshua Van stands out not just for his fighting, but also for his story and the names he goes by. His journey ties personal heritage tightly to his career.
Alternate Names
His full name? Joshua Van Bawi Thawng. In the MMA world, most people just call him Joshua Van, but you’ll see the full name or just “Van” pop up, especially in regional promotions.
He’s known as “The Fearless” in the cage—a nickname that fits his style. Event posters and profiles use it all the time. Depending on where you look, you might see a different version of his name, but it’s the same fighter. The UFC lists him as Joshua Van, while Tapology and Sherdog might include his full birth name.
Here’s a quick table to keep it straight:
| Name Used | Context |
|---|---|
| Joshua Van Bawi Thawng | Legal name, full records |
| Joshua Van | UFC, media coverage |
| Van Bawi Thawng | Regional promotions |
| “The Fearless” | Nickname in MMA |
Cultural Heritage
Joshua Van grew up in Myanmar—yeah, some folks still call it Burma—and eventually made his way to the United States. After a while, he became a citizen.
He’s actually the first fighter with Burmese roots to sign with the UFC. That’s a big deal. Van really takes pride in showing off both his heritage and his new home.
His move from Myanmar to Houston, Texas, shaped who he is, both as a person and as an athlete. Burmese fans are glued to his journey, cheering him on as a symbol of hope.
Van often talks about the responsibility he feels as a role model. He wants to inspire young athletes in Myanmar and others who’ve started over in a new country.
If you want to dig deeper into his story, check out this Wikipedia article about Joshua Van. And for more on what he means to the Burmese community, EssentiallySports shares more details about his heritage and future goals.
