Joshua Van, embracing his Mexican fighting spirit, steps into UFC 306 on short notice, eager to take on a Mexican fighter in the historic Sphere.
Despite obstacles, Van remains focused and ready.
Content Highlights
- Joshua Van accepts UFC 306 fight on short notice after a night out.
- Reflects on his connection to the Mexican fighting mentality.
- Determined to make a comeback after his recent loss.
- Confident in fighting at the Sphere on Mexican Independence Day.
- Hopes for a ranked fight after his next victory.
Joshua Van, the 22-year-old Texan flyweight, is no stranger to last-minute fights or challenges.
With just days to prepare, Van is stepping in to replace Kevin Borjas at UFC 306, and yet, his spirit remains undeterred.
“Let’s get it, man,” Van said on Monday, just days away from his bout with Edgar Chairez. “Fighting makes me happy.”
The Call That Changed His Night
Van wasn’t at the gym preparing for this moment when his manager, Jason House, called with the news.
Instead, he was enjoying a summer night out, taking a well-earned break after a tough loss to Charles Johnson in July.
But when the call came, Van didn’t hesitate. “I can’t say no,” he recalled, immediately cutting his night short to get back to training.
That loss in July marked only the second defeat in his professional career and the first in his UFC journey, which had seen him claim three consecutive wins.
But as Van puts it, it was time to get back to work. “Short notice is always hard, but we managed to get what I need,” he said. “After the first couple of days, my body just got used to it. Now, it’s just a normal day.”
Fighting with a Mexican Heart
This weekend, Van steps into the octagon on Mexican Independence Day as part of the Riyad Season Noche UFC card.
While he faces a Mexican opponent, Van doesn’t see himself as the villain of the night.
“I’m Mexican myself,” the Myanmar-born fighter joked. “I’ve been around Mexicans for almost half my life, and they see me as one of their own.”
Although Van wasn’t born in Mexico, he proudly embodies the Mexican fighting spirit.
Trained by Daniel Pineda and surrounded by Mexican coaches, Van credits their influence for shaping his aggressive style in the octagon.
“I come from the street, and growing up with Mexicans gave me the same mentality they have. I like their pressure, their toughness, and that’s become a part of my style too.”
Ready to Fight Anywhere, Anytime
As Van prepares to fight at the iconic Sphere, he isn’t distracted by the grandeur of the venue.
“A fight is a fight,” Van said. “One guy’s going to lose, one guy’s going to win. It doesn’t matter where I fight.”
What matters to him is the fight itself. “Just line them up, and I’ll fight them,” he confidently stated. “As long as I make money and get to fight, that’s all I care about.”
Van hopes for a ranked opponent next, but regardless of who comes his way, he’s ready.
His fighting spirit, fueled by the toughness and tenacity he’s embraced from his Mexican roots, keeps him pushing forward.
This weekend, Joshua Van steps into the octagon once again, fighting not just for a win, but for the pride and resilience that define him as a fighter.