UFC Veteran Says Joshua Van’s Flyweight Division Has Come Long Way Since Near Removal
Undoubtedly, the flyweight division has been one of the most exciting yet underrated divisions in MMA history. It has produced legendary fighters like Demetrious Johnson and Deiveson Figueiredo. Matt Brown has been around long enough to remember when the UFC almost removed the flyweight division completely. Seeing where the division stands today, now led by Joshua Van, clearly makes him happy.
Van now sits at the top of the flyweight division as champion. However, the division that once struggled to justify its place on the UFC roster has quietly become one of the most technically rich weight classes in the promotion.
The talent pool has deepened, and the championship picture has genuine star power attached to it. “Flyweight is awesome now. Remember they were going to get rid of the division before? So glad they didn’t,” Brown said. He saw the near-death experience up close. The flyweight division survived it and built something worth watching.
Flyweight is awesome now. Remember they were going to get rid of the division before? So glad they didn’t! https://t.co/k1b2QeZCEO
— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) May 12, 2026
Van recently defended his belt for the first time by surviving Tatsuro Taira’s grappling and stopping him in the fifth round at UFC 328. Van first won the title at UFC 323 against Alexandre Pantoja after the fight ended in 26 seconds because of Pantoja’s arm injury. That quick finish and his first defense have only made fans more interested in his rise at 125 pounds.
Joshua Van Wants Alexandre Pantoja Fight Again After Defending Title
Van wasn’t done talking after the final horn. He had one more thing to take care of. Fans were still shocked after the champ beat Tatsuro Taira in a hard five-round fight. After the win, Van grabbed the mic and told Joe Rogan and the fans what he wants next. “Pantoja you better get your sh*t right. We can run it back, if you want,” Van said.
Joshua Van called out Alexandre Pantoja after his title defense 👀
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 10, 2026
🗣️ Van: "Pantoja you better get your sh*t right. We can run it back, if you want." #UFC328pic.twitter.com/L5Bd3sf69u
The original fight between Van and Pantoja at UFC 323 lasted 26 seconds. Not because one man dominated the other, but because Pantoja injured his arm. Two fighters, one belt, and a fight that technically happened but never really got to be a fight.
A rematch with the man who holds the belt he lost under those circumstances is not a fight he needs convincing to take. Van defended the title. Now he wants to win it again properly, this time, with no questions left unanswered when it’s over.
UFC Veteran Says Joshua Van’s Flyweight Division Has Come Long Way Since Near Removal
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