Brandon Royval Reveals Which UFC Champion is More Entertaining than Joshua Van
Brandon Royval ranks Joshua Van as the UFC’s second-most entertaining champion, placing Justin Gaethje first after Van’s rise to flyweight gold.
Brandon Royval might have come up short against Joshua Van in the Octagon, but the flyweight contender certainly recognizes the talent the reigning champion brings to the UFC.
In fact, Royval has dubbed Van the second-most entertaining champion on the roster, with only lightweight titleholder Justin Gaethje ahead of him. This assessment highlights the thrilling fighting style that has helped both fighters captivate MMA fans all over the globe.
Royval Gives Van High Praise After Their Fight of the Year Contender
Royval and Van put on an unforgettable show at UFC 317 in June 2025, delivering one of the year's most thrilling fights. Stepping in on short notice, Van emerged victorious over the former title challenger by unanimous decision after three rounds packed with relentless action.
As reported by MMA Fighting, the pair combined for nearly 800 strikes thrown, with each landing over 200 significant hits. Van also scored the only knockdown of the match, helping him secure the victory and solidify his status as a top contender in the flyweight division.
Both fighters walked away with Fight of the Night bonuses, and MMA Fighting later named it the publication's Fight of the Year. Their incredible performance demonstrated why Van's aggressive approach has made him such an exciting player in the championship picture.
Royval’s praise is particularly notable given that he was on the losing end of that encounter. Rather than allowing the result to overshadow Van’s abilities, he has recognized the champion’s entertainment value.
Justin Gaethje Remains Royval’s No. 1 Pick
While Van earns Royval's second spot, Justin Gaethje claims the top position. Known as "The Highlight," Gaethje has built a reputation for himself with his high-pressure striking, powerful leg kicks, and a fearless approach to demanding exchanges.
His knack for putting on unforgettable fights dates back to his UFC debut against Michael Johnson in 2017. Since then, his epic showdowns with Tony Ferguson, Dustin Poirier, and Michael Chandler have solidified his reputation as one of the promotion's most exciting competitors.
Gaethje recently added another impressive achievement to his list by defeating Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 in June 2026, earning the title of undisputed lightweight champion. Royval’s ranking reflects a simple idea: championship success matters, but the ability to consistently deliver thrilling fights also leaves a lasting impression on fans.
