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Joshua Van breaks down why Alexandre Pantoja tops Demetrious Johnson in his all-time list

Originally posted on HITC | By Kyle Dimond | Last updated Dec 5, 2025 11:57 AM ET

Joshua Van is set to face Alexandre Pantoja in the co-main event of UFC 323, a matchup he sees as a showdown with the division’s GOAT.

Van made his mark in June by defeating Brandon Royval at UFC 317. The bout was an instant classic and put him firmly on the map as one of flyweight’s rising talents.

Still only 24, Van has quickly become a fan favourite, thanks to his high-volume style and willingness to stay active throughout the year.

On that same night, after earning his shot with a title eliminator win, Van stepped into the cage for a faceoff with Pantoja, setting up their upcoming clash for the belt.

Recently speaking ahead of their bout, ‘The Fearless’ did not hold back in his praise for Pantoja. He explained why he views him as not just another champion, but the best flyweight the sport has ever seen.

Joshua Van admits he has not watched much of Demetrious Johnson

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Demetrious Johnson opted against Pantoja’s request to come out of retirement and fight for the flyweight title in December 2024.

‘Mighty Mouse’ had retired earlier that year, leaving a legacy that still defines the division today.

With a record 11 consecutive title defenses, the inaugural UFC flyweight champion is a strong candidate for the greatest of all time – not just in the 125-pound division, but across the entire sport.

However, Van has pushed back against the “new vs old” narrative surrounding his UFC 323 fight, instead calling Pantoja the best flyweight of all time.

Van only made his UFC debut in June 2023 and has since climbed quickly up the ranks with two standout wins this past June. His rapid rise is part of why he sees Pantoja ahead of Johnson in his own view of flyweight history.

The 24-year-old told MMA Fighting: “Well, I started watching UFC fights after 2017 so like I didn’t really see Johnson fight.

“All I see is Pantoja. When he got the belt, that was when I made my debut and things like that so I was kinda used to seeing him at the top so that’s why I say he’s the greatest of all time.”

Joshua Van chasing youngest title shot in UFC history at UFC 323

Van’s first fight came just before Pantoja captured the belt by beating Brandon Moreno at UFC 290, a moment that reshaped the division.

‘The Fearless’ did suffer a knockout loss along the way, but he has stayed active enough that it has not slowed him down much.

If Van manages to pull off the upset against Pantoja, he will become the second-youngest champion in UFC history.

While Jon Jones set the record at just 23 years, Van would still come in younger than Jose Aldo when he was named the promotion’s first featherweight champion back in 2010.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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