Mixed history urges caution before naming Joshua Van an all-time MMA great | 📷: Hans Gutknecht/Getty
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At UFC 331, Joshua Van closed the night with a thrilling, back-and-forth fight against former flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja. Despite questionable judging that favored otherwise, many believed the bout should have been decided in the final round, as Pantoja leaned on his experience to keep the fight close while Van arguably inflicted more damage each round. Van then separated himself in the fifth round to successfully defend his flyweight title, prompting widespread predictions of a dominant and lengthy reign for the soon-to-be 25-year-old.
On paper, those expectations seem reasonable. Still in his mid-20s, Van has not only claimed the flyweight belt but also defended it twice against strong challengers. Some might even argue his title defenses outshine those of Demetrious Johnson, one of the division’s all-time greats. Van continues to improve, and there’s little reason to think that trend won’t continue in the near future.
That said, it’s important to resist rushing to label Van an all-time great just yet—especially considering the mixed track record of fighters who rise to prominence at such a young age.
Youthful UFC champions don’t always transform into legends
Before exploring this further, it’s necessary to acknowledge the clear exception: Jon Jones. Nearly four months before turning 24, Jones became the youngest UFC light heavyweight champion ever. Apart from a pre-title loss, he fulfilled every expectation, eventually claiming championships in two divisions and cementing himself as one of the sport’s greatest.
Cody Garbrandt: A stark warning for Joshua Van
Beyond Jones, the fates of young champions are uneven. Cody Garbrandt, for example, embodies a cautionary tale. Crowned bantamweight champ at 25 following a dominant win over Dominick Cruz—a fighter many regard as the greatest bantamweight in UFC history—Garbrandt seemed destined for a long, storied reign thanks to his speed, power, and room for growth. Nearly ten years later, however, Garbrandt’s career serves as a warning about rapid ascents.
Though not originally slated to end Cruz’s reign, Garbrandt’s close study of Cruz in training helped him anticipate the champion’s moves, leading to a resounding victory. But questions about Garbrandt’s ability to handle adversity were overlooked. When setbacks arrived, including knockout losses to former teammate T.J. Dillashaw, Garbrandt struggled to adapt. His confidence waned, his style changed, and what once made him special diminished—or perhaps never truly existed.
Fighters like Shogun Rua, Vitor Belfort, and Cain Velasquez illustrate how greatness can quickly fade
Other cases show similar, if less dramatic, trajectories. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua rose to prominence at 23 by winning the 2005 Pride middleweight grand prix but suffered a broken arm shortly after, limiting the consistency of his brilliance despite eventually becoming a UFC light heavyweight champ.
Vitor Belfort, once dubbed “The Phenom,” never fully lived up to his early promise despite notable accomplishments, including a somewhat fortunate UFC light heavyweight title run.
Cain Velasquez is often celebrated as one of the greatest heavyweights but is also remembered as a “what-if” story derailed by injuries—a reminder that even the most talented aren’t immune to setbacks. Similarly, recent hopeful Tom Aspinall and past star Frank Mir’s prime years were hampered by injuries.
And then there’s Conor McGregor, the first simultaneous two-division UFC champion. Despite his immense popularity, McGregor’s post-championship record (1-4) dampens arguments for his placement among the all-time greats.
Joshua Van’s path has been impressive but is far from set in stone
There is no doubt Van has made a remarkable start to his career. I include his loss to Charles Johnson as part of that growth experience—it taught him valuable lessons. While Van has already reached an impressive level, greatness exists on many levels, and the journey to the very summit is long and complex.
There are countless variables outside Van’s control, such as injuries, emerging rivals, and the toll early damage may take on his longevity. It’s tempting to speculate on his future, but fans should temper expectations and appreciate the process. Let’s enjoy Van’s rise for what it is and avoid disappointment if his trajectory isn’t flawless or historically monumental.
Fan Take: Joshua Van’s emergence is electrifying for fight fans, promising exciting bouts in one of the UFC’s most dynamic divisions. Whether or not he becomes a legend, his performances push the sport forward and inspire the next generation of talent, underlining MMA’s ever-evolving narrative.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
