Joshua Van is set to face Brandon Royval at UFC 317 after accepting the fight on just three weeks’ notice due to Manel Kape’s injury. The 23-year-old flyweight agreed to the bout to pursue his dream of a Joshua Van UFC title shot, viewing the opportunity as a key step toward the championship.
From UFC 316 Victory to Sudden UFC 317 Challenge
Coming off a strong stoppage win over Bruno Silva at UFC 316, Van received an unexpected call from his manager informing him about the vacancy created when Kape pulled out. Royval, the current No. 1 contender, needed an opponent quickly, and Van didn’t hesitate to say yes.
I got the call on Sunday [after fighting on Saturday],
Van told MMA Fighting.
I think he got the same call Sunday when his fight fell off. Because when they called me, I kind of don’t believe it. Manel was there. So when he released that little video, that’s when I was like OK, I’m really fighting him. Both of us know the fight was on Sunday.
The manager called and the manager was like ‘do you want to fight Royval?’ and go from there. I mean, the answer is always going to be yes with me when they offer me a fight. This fight, I got everything to gain and not a lot to lose. This is a perfect opportunity God gave me so I can’t say no. When the call came, I was like hell yeah, I want to fight him, especially when he’s at the top, No. 1. This everything I wanted.
Van’s Drive to Face Elite Opponents Sparks His Quick Acceptance
Van has been vocal about his intention to face higher-ranked contenders in the flyweight division, which previously led him to call out former champion Brandon Moreno. However, since most top-15 fighters were already booked, Van was essentially the only available option when Kape withdrew.
I just can’t say no, Van insisted, emphasizing the honor he sees in this matchup.
There’s a reason why I called out [Brandon] Moreno, too, is because all the top 15 guys are matched up. It was just me and him left. That was the reason why I called him out. When Manel is out, I was the only option. Because I know for a fact Moreno ain’t going to step in on three weeks’ notice. He needs a fight camp. For him to take that risk is just stupid. I’m just the only guy that will step in.
Preparing for a Tactical Battle With Brandon Royval
Although Van hadn’t followed Royval closely before, he quickly began studying his opponent’s style after officially being booked. He expects both men to apply significant pressure, anticipating a fight determined more by intelligence than brute strength.
Not too familiar. I don’t really watch fights like that [but] he’s the No. 1 for a reason,
Van admitted.
He’s got the same style I have. Put the pressure on guys until they break. I think is just going to be like who outsmarts who. It’s not going to be the strongest but the smartest fighter will win the fight. I’ve just got to outsmart him on everything.
Potential Title Shot Looming With Championship Bout on Same Card
A win over Royval could elevate Van to the top contender spot, especially as reigning flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja is scheduled to defend his title against Kai Kara-France later on UFC 317’s main card. Defeating the No. 1 contender would position Van to immediately challenge for the belt.
When I beat the No. 1 guy, I’ll be the No. 1 guy,
Van declared.
After this fight, I’m going to have to fight for the belt. That’s the only thing left. What else am I supposed to do? I beat Royval, should I go back and fight [someone else]?
Thank you to Royval for giving me this opportunity. He could say no I’ll wait. But he is a dog. He gave me this opportunity so shout out to that guy.
Taking a Risk on Short Notice With High Rewards at Stake
Despite the challenges of a condensed training camp, Van believes that the potential payoff of solidifying himself as the next title challenger justifies the risk. He draws inspiration from a similar scenario in the middleweight division at UFC 276, where key wins on the same card set up a championship fight.
That’s what’s going to make a better storyline of who’s going to fight for the belt,
Van explained.
We’re on the same card. Kind of like [Israel] Adesanya and Alex Pereira. It’s going to be like that. Picture perfect.
Appreciation for UFC’s Role in His Career Growth
Approaching his ninth UFC fight in two years, Van credited the organization, and particularly matchmaker Mick Maynard, for carefully building his career through progressively challenging bouts that have prepared him for this critical opportunity.
I feel like the UFC has done a good job of giving me the matchups that they gave me,
Van said.
I feel like they built me up from the ground up. Because remember when I lost my fight, had I won that fight, I’m going to start fighting the top guys quick. I might not be ready for them guys but now I feel like that loss pulled me back and I got two more fights on ranked guys. I got to fight two other ranked guys and I fought Cody [Durden].
I feel like the matchups have prepared me for this type of fight. So shout out to Mick [Maynard] and shout out to the UFC for giving me right matchups and building me the right way.
Looking Ahead Beyond UFC 317
Van’s acceptance of this late-notice fight is a testament to his determination and hunger to climb the flyweight ranks. Should he defeat Royval, Van not only secures his place as the division’s top contender but also sets the stage for a high-stakes title fight shortly thereafter, firmly positioning himself among the elite in the UFC.