Joshua Van believes he’s about to face the greatest flyweight of all time, and it’s not who most people expect. The rising star ranks Alexandre Pantoja above the legendary Demetrious Johnson, setting the stage for a fascinating new chapter in the division.
Subscribe
Analysis and Opinions
Rising Stars
Joshua Van explains why he ranks Alexandre Pantoja over Demetrious Johnson in flyweight GOAT debate
Photo by Yardbarker
Key Takeaways:
- Joshua Van declares Alexandre Pantoja the greatest flyweight fighter, outranking Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson.
- Van quickly made a name for himself with a memorable UFC 317 victory against Brandon Royval.
- That clash at UFC 317 was considered a fight-of-the-year contender, putting Van in the spotlight.
- Van believes he will test himself against what he sees as the best in the division this Saturday.
- Demetrious Johnson’s long-held status as flyweight GOAT makes Van’s pick of Pantoja notably bold.
The Flyweight GOAT Debate
Joshua Van has a decisive answer for one of the most hotly contested debates in mixed martial arts: Who is the greatest flyweight of all time? For many fight fans, Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson holds that distinction. Yet Van, one of the UFC’s newest rising stars, confidently places Alexandre Pantoja at the top of the 125-pound division.
A Breakout Performance
Van’s sudden emergence in the UFC flyweight ranks came with a memorable clash against Brandon Royval at UFC 317 in June. That performance was lauded as a fight-of-the-year candidate, highlighting Van’s tenacity and raw talent. Many in the community began paying close attention to the dynamic up-and-comer.
Why Van Ranks Pantoja Over Johnson
Although Demetrious Johnson is often cited as a pioneer of the flyweight division, Van maintains that Pantoja’s skill set and performance are unmatched. “Joshua Van believes that he’s fighting the greatest flyweight of all time this Saturday,” reads one account, signaling the confidence he has in his assessment.
Eyeing the Future
By declaring Pantoja his number-one flyweight, Van also signals a determination to measure himself against the best. His belief that he will soon face the greatest in the weight class puts added pressure on an already thriving division.
The Legacy at Stake
For years, Johnson’s legacy at 125 pounds appeared unshakable. Now, Van’s statements introduce a fresh angle to the GOAT conversation. If Van continues to deliver in high-stakes matches, his prediction—and Pantoja’s championship stature—could reshuffle the historically stable flyweight hierarchy.
