‘What a F*cking Fight!’ Dana White Praises Joshua Van After UFC 331, Then Learns He’s Only 24

After their first match ended drastically when Pantoja injured his arm within seconds of the opening round, fans were eager for a definitive result. 

Joshua Van just delivered that at Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California, on September 19. After bringing the flyweight division into the spotlight with this massive win, Van received his flowers from Dana White and Hunter Campbell himself. 

Dana White and Hunter Campbell Praised Joshua Van Backstage

In a vlog episode uploaded to ENGAGE Media House’s YouTube channel, Dana White met Joshua Van backstage and was shocked to learn that the new champion is just 24 years old. 

“What a f*cking fight. The boys are calling it the greatest fight in the history of that division,” White told Van alongside Hunter Campbell. 

White then asked Van about his age, to which he replied, “24,” leaving the UFC matchmakers in shock. Van undoubtedly made history by delivering one of the year's best fights. 

Who will Van fight next?

The Myanmar-born American star answered all the questions lingering around him after his title win against Alexander Pantoja last year. In the rematch, Van secured a unanimous decision by dominating Pantoja with jab-cross combinations and stuffing his takedowns. 

After five rounds of hard war, Van received nods from all three judges. He received (49-46, 48-47, 50-45) to retain his gold strap. 

Following his win, Van said he doesn’t have a name in mind for his next defense but is ready to take on anyone the UFC puts in front of him. 

Pantoja is unlikely to receive a rematch after a stamp victory from the champion. Considering the current flyweight scenario, with four straight knockout wins to his name, Manel Kape appears to be a worthy contender.