Joshua Van showcased his skill and resilience to claim a unanimous decision victory against Brandon Royval in the men’s flyweight bout at UFC 317 in Las Vegas. The fight, which took place recently, highlighted Van’s precision striking and tactical control, ultimately solidifying his status as a rising contender in the division.
Pre-Fight Background and Fighter Momentum
Brandon Royval entered the contest with a 17-8 MMA record, riding a solid two–fight winning streak that included split decision victories over Brandon Moreno and Tatsuro Taira. Known for his ability to maintain consistent pressure, Royval had posted a 5-1 record in his last six outings inside the Octagon. On the other hand, Joshua Van came into the fight boasting a four-fight win streak and a 15-2 career mark. Recently, Van achieved a third-round TKO against Bruno Gustavo da Silva at UFC 316 and has amassed a remarkable 7-1 record since making his UFC debut in June 2023.
An Intense Battle From the Opening Round
The opening round saw Royval utilize his height and long reach advantage, starting strong with low kicks to keep Van at bay. Joshua Van, nicknamed ‘The Fearless,’ remained composed, waiting for the right moment to strike. He landed precise punches, including a left hook and straight right that visibly affected Royval. Van’s elite boxing skills came into focus as he clipped Royval, leading to a trip. Despite this, Royval quickly recovered, exchanging a mix of knees and combinations before the round closed with both fighters showing determination.
Back-and-Forth Action in the Second Round
In the second round, Van effectively closed the distance, targeting Royval’s body with punches. Both fighters exchanged sharp combinations, with Van landing significant strikes over the top and Royval responding with jabs and knees in return. The pace intensified as they took turns launching big shots, with Van’s counters standing out. The round ended on a high note, filled with aggressive exchanges and a showcase of resilience from both men.
Thrilling Final Round Featuring Multiple Knockdowns
The third round was a relentless showcase of courage and skill from each fighter. Royval opened with a strong right hand, but Van countered effectively, landing several clean shots including a big left hook and straight right combinations. Both competitors traded powerful punches, with Van inflicting a cut on Royval early in the round. Near the close, Van’s striking success increased as he knocked Royval down with a side kick and followed up with more heavy strikes. Royval momentarily went to a knee but quickly retaliated with a knee of his own. The fight nearly ended with Van chasing the finish before the final bell saved Royval.
Official Outcome and Future Prospects
The judges awarded Joshua Van a unanimous decision victory with scorecards reading 29-28 and 30-27, reflecting his dominance throughout the contest. This win adds further momentum to Van’s career and strengthens his position within the flyweight division. Fans and analysts will be eager to see who Joshua Van faces next as he continues to climb the UFC ranks following this impressive performance in Las Vegas.