Joshua Van Bawi Thawng (Burmese: ယောရှုဗန်ဘွေထောင်း; born October 10, 2001) is a Burmese and American professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is the current UFC …
This past Saturday, Joshua Van took to the octagon and decisively silenced his critics in a rematch against Alexandre Pantoja. If you missed UFC 331, allow me to paint you a picture: Van, the Flyweight Champion, strutted in like he owned the place, ready to prove that his first victory wasn’t just a lucky break thanks to an accidental injury. Spoiler alert: he did just that and then some.
The hype leading up to this fight was palpable. Fans were practically biting their nails off, wondering if Van would once again prove he was the real deal or if he would be forever haunted by the “accidental” specter of his previous win. But let’s be real, the only thing that was going to haunt him this time was the relentless cardio and skill that Pantoja brought to the table. But hey, Van didn’t just show up; he came ready to fight.
Over the course of five grueling rounds, Van showcased his technique, speed, and a shocking amount of stamina that had viewers wondering if he had secretly been training with the Energizer Bunny. By the end of the match, it was clear: Van wasn’t just a champion by accident; he earned that title, proving that his first win wasn’t a fluke. And let’s be honest, it’s about time we put that rumor to rest.
In his post-fight declaration, Van made it clear that his title is no longer up for debate. “A lot of people said that was an accidental injury, but I think I just showed that I’m the real deal,” he said, probably while trying not to smile too much. I mean, can you blame him? Winning a championship is like getting a gold star, but with more sweat and a lot more punches.
But the drama didn’t stop there! UFC 331 was packed with action as Arman Tsarukyan and Pitbull also delivered finishes that had fans on the edge of their seats. Tsarukyan, with a knockout that could have sent a boulder flying, left his opponent seeing stars and questioning their life choices. Meanwhile, Pitbull, who I assume has a secret stash of superpowers, demonstrated why they call him that with a finish that was nothing short of jaw-dropping.
All in all, UFC 331 was a night to remember, filled with thrilling fights, dramatic finishes, and a champion who proved he’s not just a name on a belt. So, the next time someone tries to downplay Van’s victory, just remind them: he’s not just flying high on a wave of luck; he’s earned his wings in the octagon. And as for Pantoja, well, there’s always the next fight. Just don’t ask him if he’s considering a career in professional wrestling—because we all know how that goes.
Inspired by: “Van silences doubters in Pantoja rematch as Tsarukyan, Pitbull score dramatic UFC 331 finishes” (r/News)