Career Timeline of Joshua Van: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Joshua Van, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Joshua Van Bawi Thawng is a Burmese-American mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's Flyweight division. He holds the distinction of being the current UFC Flyweight Champion, the first fighter from Myanmar to sign with the UFC, and the UFC's first Asian-born male champion. Notably, Van is also the first fighter born in the 2000s to secure a UFC title. He is ranked #11 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings as of January 27, 2026.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2021: Professional MMA Debut

In 2021, Joshua Van made his professional MMA debut, fighting exclusively for Fury Fighting Championship.

December 18, 2022: Fury FC Flyweight Title Win

On December 18, 2022, Joshua Van won the Fury FC Flyweight title by submitting Cleveland McLean in the second round at Fury FC 72.

June 24, 2023: UFC Debut

On June 24, 2023, Joshua Van made his UFC debut against Zhalgas Zhumagulov at UFC on ABC 5, winning by split decision and becoming the first Burmese fighter to sign with the UFC.

November 11, 2023: Victory at UFC 295

On November 11, 2023, Joshua Van fought Kevin Borjas at UFC 295 and won the fight via unanimous decision.

January 13, 2024: Victory at UFC Fight Night 234

On January 13, 2024, Joshua Van faced Felipe Bunes at UFC Fight Night 234, replacing Denys Bondar, and won the fight by second-round technical knockout.

July 13, 2024: Loss at UFC on ESPN 59

On July 13, 2024, Joshua Van faced Charles Johnson at UFC on ESPN 59 and lost the fight via knockout in the third round.

September 14, 2024: Victory at UFC 306

On September 14, 2024, Joshua Van faced Édgar Cháirez at UFC 306, replacing Kevin Borjas, and won the fight via unanimous decision.

December 7, 2024: Victory at UFC 310

On December 7, 2024, Joshua Van faced Cody Durden at UFC 310 and won the fight via unanimous decision.

March 8, 2025: Victory at UFC 313

On March 8, 2025, Joshua Van was scheduled to face Bruno Gustavo da Silva at UFC 313. However, Silva pulled out and Van was replaced by Rei Tsuruya, the Road to UFC Season 2 flyweight winner, and he won the fight by unanimous decision.

June 7, 2025: Victory at UFC 316

On June 7, 2025, Joshua Van's bout with Bruno Gustavo da Silva was rescheduled and took place at UFC 316. Van won the fight by technical knockout late into the third round.

December 6, 2025: UFC Flyweight Championship Win

On December 6, 2025, Joshua Van faced Alexandre Pantoja for the UFC Flyweight Championship at UFC 323. Van defeated Pantoja by technical knockout in the first round, becoming the second-youngest champion in UFC history, the first fighter born in the 2000s to win a UFC title, and the UFC's first Asian-born male champion.

January 27, 2026: UFC Rankings

On January 27, 2026, Joshua Van was ranked #11 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings.

April 11, 2026: Scheduled Title Defense at UFC 327

On April 11, 2026, Joshua Van is scheduled to make his first title defense against Tatsuro Taira at UFC 327.

June 28, 2025: Victory against Royval at UFC 317

On June 28, 2025, Joshua Van stepped in on three weeks' notice to face Brandon Royval at UFC 317, after Manel Kape withdrew. Van won by unanimous decision and earned the Fight of the Night award. Van and Royval landed a total of 419 significant strikes, setting a record for a three-round UFC fight and flyweight bout.