Joshua Van's Epic UFC 317 Victory: Octagon Interview Highlights

Joshua Van's unanimous decision win over Brandon Royval at UFC 317 marks a career-defining moment. His octagon interview with Joe Rogan reveals insights into his unique style and future title shot against Alexandre Pantoja.

Joshua Van's Thrilling Win at UFC 317

At UFC 317, held on June 28, 2025, in Las Vegas, Joshua Van delivered a standout performance by securing a unanimous decision victory over top flyweight contender Brandon Royval. This high-paced bout, featured on the main card at T-Mobile Arena, has been widely regarded as a potential Fight of the Year candidate due to its intense striking and relentless pace. Van stepped into the fight on short notice, replacing Manel Kape, and faced the No. 1-ranked Royval with confidence and skill, ultimately earning a title shot opportunity.

Octagon Interview with Joe Rogan

In the post-fight octagon interview with Joe Rogan, as captured in the UFC's official video, Joshua Van expressed his thoughts on the monumental win. Around the 0:45 mark, Van highlighted his belief in his unique fighting style, stating that he knew he could outperform Royval despite the short preparation time. His composure and determination shone through as he discussed the significance of this victory in his career trajectory, marking it as the biggest moment so far.

Reflecting on the Fight Dynamics

Delving deeper into the conversation at approximately the 2:10 timestamp, Van broke down key moments of the fight. He acknowledged the back-and-forth nature of the battle, noting the incredible statistic shared by UFC posts on X that both fighters landed over 200 significant strikes eachโ€”a first in UFC history. Van's ability to nearly finish Royval at several points showcased his elite-level skills and resilience, cementing his status as a top contender in the flyweight division.

Looking Ahead to a Title Shot

Towards the end of the interview, near the 3:30 mark, the discussion shifted to Van's future. Following his victory, he was brought back into the cage for a faceoff with flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja, a rare move by the UFC to set up an anticipated title fight. Van expressed readiness to take on this challenge, aligning with Pantoja's timeline and showing eagerness to compete for the belt after securing his position as the new No. 1 contender.

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