Is Alexandre Pantoja the greatest flyweight of all time? That's the bold claim being made by rising star Joshua Van, and it's sparking a lively debate among MMA fans! Van, who is set to face Pantoja at UFC 323 on December 6th, has a unique perspective, and his reasoning might surprise you.
Van burst onto the scene in the flyweight division with a stunning performance against Brandon Royval, a fight many consider a contender for 'Fight of the Year'. At just 24 years old, Van's relentless activity and exciting style have quickly made him a must-watch fighter. He's on a collision course with Pantoja, and the stakes couldn't be higher.
But here's where it gets controversial... Van believes Pantoja is the best to ever do it, even surpassing the legendary Demetrious Johnson. Johnson, the inaugural UFC flyweight champion, holds the record for the most consecutive title defenses (11) in UFC history, a feat that firmly places him in the GOAT conversation. He also recently declined a call from Pantoja to come out of retirement.
So, why does Van favor Pantoja? Well, it boils down to when he started watching the sport. Van admits he didn't see much of Johnson in action, as he started following the UFC after 2017. He told MMA Fighting, “All I see is Pantoja. When he got the belt, that was when I made my debut and things like that so I was kinda used to seeing him at the top so that’s why I say he’s the greatest of all time.”
And this is the part most people miss... Van's perspective is shaped by his own UFC journey. He made his debut just weeks before Pantoja won the title, meaning he's primarily witnessed Pantoja's reign. If Van wins at UFC 323, he will become the second-youngest UFC champion of all time, a testament to his rapid ascent.
What do YOU think? Do you agree with Van's assessment, or do you believe Demetrious Johnson remains the flyweight GOAT?
Let's hear your thoughts! Rank these legendary UFC fighters in order of greatness in the comments:
- Jon Jones
- Amanda Nunes
- Georges St-Pierre
- Khabib Nurmagomedov
- Jose Aldo
- Demetrious Johnson
- Anderson Silva
- Conor McGregor
Is it possible to consider recency bias when evaluating a fighter's legacy? Share your insights below!
