Sherdog's 2025 Fight of the Year
Joshua Van needed proof that he belonged among the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s flyweight elite, and an unforgettable three-round confrontation with Brandon Royval on June 28 provided it.
www.sherdog.comI don’t have live access to current news in this chat, but here’s what’s commonly reported about Joshua Van Sant recently based on recent public coverage:
- Joshua Van Sant is a rising flyweight in UFC who achieved a notable win over Brandon Royval, which helped him earn a title shot later that year. This trajectory generated significant media attention and discussions about his potential matchup against Alexandre Pantoja.[4][5]
- There were reports in early 2026 that a title bout involving Van Sant against Pantoja was planned, though scheduling changes occurred due to injuries and event shuffles, with some outlets noting the fight being moved or rescheduled. The broader narrative focused on Van Sant’s rapid ascent and the impact of his performance on the flyweight division.[2][5][4]
- Coverage from MMA-focused outlets and major sports sites frequently framed Van Sant as a top contender in the UFC’s flyweight division, highlighting his pace, striking, and the drama around potential title defenses.[1][5]
If you’d like, I can fetch the latest specifics and provide direct quotes, dates, and sources. I can also summarize current rumors versus confirmed matchups and outline Van Sant’s publicly stated timeline for a title shot, with citations.