Joshua Vann is confident that he will face the greatest flyweight fighter of all time this Saturday.
A rising star in the flyweight division, Vann made a significant impact by defeating Brandon Roybal, a Fight of the Year contender, at UFC 317 in June. At just 24, his hard work and consistent performances have marked him as one of the sport’s most promising prospects.
On the same night he climbed the rankings with his title eliminator win, Vann was matched up with Alexandre Pantoja to determine the next flyweight title challenger. Recently, Vann shared his belief that his upcoming opponent in the co-main event of UFC 323 on December 6 is the best fighter ever in the flyweight division.
Demetrius Johnson, known as “Mighty Mouse,” declined Alexandre Pantoja’s invitation to come out of retirement and compete for the flyweight title in December 2024. Johnson, who retired a few months ago, left behind a remarkable legacy as the first UFC flyweight champion and holder of the record for most consecutive title defenses (11), which positions him as one of the greatest fighters not just in the 125-pound category, but in UFC history.
However, Joshua Vann has a different take, downplaying comparisons between Johnson and Pantoja. He considers Pantoja the greatest flyweight ever, explaining that since he began watching UFC after 2017, he mainly followed Pantoja’s rise and title reign, shaping his GOAT perspective in the flyweight division.
Vann, who earned his chance in the title light with two victories but hasn’t fought since June 2023, told MMA Fighting, “The only one I watch is Pantoja. When he got the belt, it was when I debuted and so on. So I’m used to seeing him at the top. That’s why I say he’s the best of all time.”
Joshua Vann made his UFC debut with a split decision win over Zargas Zhumagulov just weeks before Pantoja claimed the flyweight title at UFC 290 by defeating Brandon Moreno. Although Vann experienced a knockout loss during his UFC tenure, it hasn’t derailed his career, and he continues to compete actively. With a victory at UFC 323, Vann would become the second-youngest UFC champion in history, trailing only Jon Jones, but likely surpassing Jose Aldo, the first-ever UFC featherweight champion in 2010.
Fan Take: This upcoming fight is pivotal for the flyweight division and MMA fans alike, as it highlights the ongoing debate over the greatest in the division’s history while showcasing the rise of a promising young contender. Joshua Vann’s potential victory could usher in a new era and elevate the excitement around flyweight competition in the sport.
