Din Thomas & Jorge Masvidal Left Speechless by Josh Van’s Short Training Timeline
Din Thomas and Jorge Masvidal found it hard to believe that Joshua Van began his MMA training just 5 years back and he's already a UFC champion.
When Joshua Van retained his flyweight title in an instant classic against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 331, he didn’t just cement his status at the top of the division; he blew the minds of some of the most seasoned veterans in the sport. Former UFC contender Jorge Masvidal and veteran coach Din Thomas were left completely speechless when reflecting on Van’s lightning-fast development inside the gym.
Praise From MMA Royalty
For Thomas, Van’s rapid trajectory breaks all conventional logic, especially given the technical depth of the 125-pound division.
"He's only been training for like 5 or 6 years, like how does a guy who's been training 5 or 6 years beat these guys? At that weight class?" Thomas asked during a recent breakdown.
Masvidal agreed, showering the young flyweight king with massive praise while marveling at how natural Van looks inside the Octagon.
"Maybe that's one of the best fighters that I've ever seen in my life you know," Masvidal said. "To think that also he's only been training 4 years, it's crazy... The strikes, his timing, I mean he makes guys miss and he makes them pay by a line. He'll make you miss by just an inch and he comes back with 3-4 punches."
What makes Van’s rise so astonishing is the division he dominates. Flyweight is widely considered one of the most fast-paced, skill-dense weight classes in mixed martial arts, where fighters usually spend a decade honing their craft before sniffing a world title. Outlasting a battle-tested star like Pantoja over five grueling rounds takes elite cardio, razor-sharp distance management, and deep tactical understanding.
Yet Van, despite picking up combat sports only a few short years ago, fights with the composure of a 20-fight veteran. His slick head movement and lightning-quick counters are features usually developed over a lifetime of sparring. If game respects game, Masvidal and Thomas agreeing on Van's natural gift proves the young champion is a generational talent.
