This past Saturday at UFC 317, Brandon Royval and Joshua Van gave fight fans something special, something unforgettable. In what’s already being called one of the greatest fights in UFC history, the two flyweights went to war for 15 straight minutes and left absolutely everything in the Octagon. The fight is being widely regarded as the fight of the year, and for many, the fight of 2025 so far, and it’s not hard to see why.
From the opening round, Royval and Van set a ridiculous pace. They stood toe to toe, trading combinations, scrambles, and momentum swings in a way that felt chaotic, but never sloppy. Both fighters landed over 200 significant strikes, a number that had never been hit by both men in a three-round UFC fight. It was a high-level brawl, equal parts violent and technical, and somehow, neither man slowed down.
The moment was especially massive for Joshua Van, who’s just 23 years old and already fighting like a seasoned veteran. He’s been active, fearless, and constantly improving, and Saturday night was the clearest proof yet that he belongs among the elite. In less than two years with the UFC, Van has racked up five fights and continues to rise through the ranks at lightning speed. This wasn’t just a breakthrough, it was a statement.
Royval, no stranger to chaos, matched Van every step of the way. Known for his unorthodox style and gritty durability, Royval made it a dogfight from start to finish. The exchanges were wild, the output was nonstop, and the heart shown on both sides was undeniable. In the end, Van edged out the decision, but nobody lost stock in this one, if anything, both guys came out bigger than they went in.
Social media lit up the moment the fight ended. Fans, analysts, and fighters across the board were calling it a classic. Dana White called it “an absolute war,” and the UFC’s official channels quickly labeled it “an instant classic.” It was that good.
And now, Van’s reward? A shot at the title. He’s set to face flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja, a true veteran and legend of the division. It’s a massive leap for a 23-year-old, but after what we saw at UFC 317, it’s clear Van isn’t just ready, he’s earned it.
In a division that keeps delivering excitement, Royval vs. Van just set the bar for the rest of the year. It was fast, fierce, and completely unforgettable.