Joshua Van: Myanmar-Born UFC Champion Makes Historic Breakthrough

JOSHUA VAN, born Joshua Van Bawi Thawng on 10 October 2001 in Hakha, Chin State, Myanmar, has made history by becoming the first Myanmar-born and first Southeast Asian fighter to win a UFC championship.

On 7 December 2025 at UFC 323, the 24-year-old defeated Brazilian champion Alexandre Pantoja to claim the UFC Flyweight title — becoming the first fighter ever to stop Pantoja in the process. The win also makes Van the second-youngest UFC champion in the organisation’s history.

Van’s path to the belt is one of resilience and determination. An ethnic Chin and part of a large family, he fled Myanmar at the age of ten due to political instability. After spending time in Malaysia, he eventually relocated to Houston, Texas, at twelve, where he began building his life and sporting career. Despite holding Burmese and American dual heritage, Van represents Myanmar in UFC competition and has become a symbol of pride for the Chin community and the wider Burmese diaspora.

Known by the nickname “The Fearless”, Van fights out of the 4oz. Fight Club in Houston. Standing 5ft 5in with a 65-inch reach, he competes in the Flyweight division (125 lbs). His aggressive style, relentless pace and high striking volume have quickly made him a fan favourite. Since making his professional MMA debut in 2021, he has compiled a strong UFC record of nine wins and one loss from ten fights.

His opponent, 35-year-old Pantoja, entered the title bout with vast experience — 17 UFC fights, consisting of 14 wins and 3 losses. Van’s victory not only handed Pantoja his fourth career UFC loss but marked the first time he had ever been defeated by stoppage.

Van’s championship triumph is a landmark moment: the first time a Myanmar-born fighter has captured a UFC belt, the first Asian male born in Asia to win a UFC championship, and a defining achievement for Southeast Asian MMA. His rise from refugee to world champion has resonated globally, establishing him as a powerful symbol of hope, perseverance and national pride.

CNF Congratulates New UFC Flyweight World Champion Joshua “The Fearless” Van

The Chin National Front (CNF) has issued a special congratulatory message honouring Joshua Van after he became the new UFC Flyweight World Champion. Van secured the world title by defeating Brazil’s Alexandre Pantoja through a Technical Knockout (TKO) just 26 seconds into the first round in Las Vegas, Nevada, on December 7, 2025.

CNF praised Joshua Van as a source of pride for the Chin community and the entire Southeast Asian region. At a young age, he has already made history as one of the youngest champions in UFC history, setting a remarkable milestone for Myanmar and the wider region.

In its statement, the CNF highlighted Van’s exceptional talent, perseverance, and dedication, noting that his success reflects not only his hard work but also the strong moral support of his family. His story, marked by honesty, discipline, and gratitude, was described as an inspiration for the new generation.