UFC flyweight contender Joshua Van passed the biggest test of his career with flying colors to cap off the UFC 316 prelims.
23-year-old flyweight Joshua Van showed boxing technique beyond his years in a wild knockout win at UFC 316.
Van and Top 15 contender Bruno Silva helped wrap up what was an exciting UFC 316 preliminary card on Saturday in Newark. Van, the first UFC fighter from Myanmar, has impressed in his short stint with the promotion.
But the young star Van took things to another level on one of the biggest cards of the year.
- READ MORE: MMA legend reportedly in ‘critical condition’ years after UFC retirement: ‘Prayers are wanted’
UFC fans and fighters react to Joshua Van’s stunning knockout at UFC 316
Van and Silva treated fight fans to a wild battle in the opening minutes of the fight. After a frantic pace to start the action, Van dropped Silva with a right hand near the end of the first round that left the Brazilian prospect badly stunned.
Van didn’t let off the gas pedal in Round 2, dropping Silva twice and leaving his face a bloody mess. The young star showcased great takedown defense as Silva attempted to change levels and turn the tide of the fight.
As a visibly exhausted Silva walked out for Round 3, it seemed like Van was a punch or two away from finishing the fight. Van left Silva on his back foot and as his opponent backpedaled against the fence, the 23-year-old sealed the TKO win with a nasty right hand that dropped Silva.
Watch Van get the finish below.
UFC fight fans had a field day on social media after Van’s knockout victory.
“Joshua Van is this generation’s Max Holloway,” one fan wrote on X.
“Joshua Van is a homicidal maniac and has now become a serious problem,” another said.
“Joshua Van can box!” UFC lightweight Dustin Poirier posted.
“Van is a problem, what a warrior,” UFC flyweight contender Manel Kape said.
“Van looked good tonight. That kid is a special fighter.”
“Josh Van might be a legit future champion.”
“What a performance by Joshua Van. He looked phenomenal.”
“We love Josh Van don’t we folks?”
A UFC main event is in Joshua Van’s near future
Van could potentially face a Top 10 test for his next flyweight matchup. A UFC Fight Night main event might be in his near future.
Van entered UFC 316 on a four-fight winning streak, after losing by knockout to Charles Johnson last July. He was coming off of recent wins over Cody Durden and Rei Tsuruya that set him up for the Top 15 test against Silva.
Van adds another dimension to the UFC flyweight title picture. At a time in which the flyweight division desperately needs new stars, Van is what the UFC matchmakers have been looking for.
- READ MORE: Champion who only lost to Merab Dvalishvili, Patchy Mix sends hilarious message to UFC 316 stars