Joshua Van Bawi Thawng Bio
Joshua Van Bawi Thawng, born on October 10, 2001, is a Burmese-American mixed martial artist competing in the Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He is the first Burmese fighter to sign with the UFC and, as of July 1, 2025, holds the #1 ranking in the UFC flyweight division.
Early Life and Background
Joshua Van was born in Hakha, Chin State, Myanmar, into a family with five siblings. Due to ongoing military and political conflicts in Myanmar, his family relocated to Malaysia when he was ten years old seeking better opportunities. In 2013, at age twelve, Van and his family migrated to Houston, Texas, where they began building a new life.
Van’s father passed away in 2017, and as of 2025, he resides with his mother in Houston. He identifies as a Christian and has embraced his multicultural heritage as both Burmese and American.
Path to MMA
Van began his professional mixed martial arts career in 2021. He quickly made a name for himself fighting exclusively for Fury Fighting Championship, where he compiled a 7-1 record. His notable early achievement includes winning the Fury FC Flyweight title by submitting Cleveland McLean in the second round at Fury FC 72 in December 2022.
His success in Fury FC paved the way for his entry into the UFC, where he has continued to rise through the flyweight ranks. Van’s early career demonstrated his potential and readiness for competition at the highest level.
Joshua Van Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
Joshua Van debuted professionally in 2021 and quickly established himself in Fury Fighting Championship. His record of 7 wins and 1 loss included a significant title win in December 2022, where he captured the Flyweight championship by submission, showcasing his grappling skills and composure under pressure.
During this period, Van developed his fighting style and gained valuable experience that prepared him for the transition to the UFC. His performances earned him recognition as a rising talent in the flyweight division.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2023–Present)
Van made his UFC debut on June 24, 2023, against Zhalgas Zhumagulov at UFC on ABC 5, winning by split decision. He followed this with a unanimous decision victory over Kevin Borjas at UFC 295 in November 2023. In January 2024, Van secured a second-round technical knockout against Felipe Bunes at UFC Fight Night 234.
Despite a cancelled bout in April 2024 due to opponent injury, Van continued competing with notable fights including a knockout loss to Charles Johnson in July 2024 and subsequent wins over Édgar Cháirez and Cody Durden later that year. In 2025, he maintained momentum with unanimous decision victories over Rei Tsuruya and a technical knockout win against Bruno Gustavo da Silva.
In June 2025, Van stepped in on short notice to face Brandon Royval at UFC 317, winning by unanimous decision in a fight that set a record for most significant strikes landed in a three-round UFC flyweight bout. This performance earned Van his first Fight of the Night award.
Joshua Van is scheduled to compete for the UFC Flyweight Championship against Alexandre Pantoja on December 6, 2025, at UFC 323, marking a significant milestone in his career.
4oz. Fight Club Era (2021–Present)
Throughout his UFC tenure, Joshua Van has been training with 4oz. Fight Club in Houston, Texas. This team has supported his development and competitive success in the flyweight division. His current training environment has been integral to his technical growth and fight preparation.
Driving Style and Strengths
Joshua Van is known for his aggressive and fearless fighting style, earning him the nickname “The Fearless.” He demonstrates strong striking volume and endurance, as evidenced by his record-setting significant strikes in UFC bouts. His ability to adapt and maintain pressure makes him a formidable opponent in the flyweight division.
Notable Events and Milestones
Van’s UFC career highlights include becoming the first Burmese fighter signed by the promotion, winning the Fury FC Flyweight title, and setting a UFC record for most significant strikes landed in a three-round flyweight fight. His Fight of the Night award against Brandon Royval marks a key milestone.
Joshua Van Career Wins
Joshua Van has compiled a professional MMA record of 15 wins and 2 losses. His victories include 6 by decision, 1 by knockout, and 1 by submission, reflecting a well-rounded skill set and consistent performance across multiple promotions.
Fury Fighting Championship Highlights
Van’s early career was highlighted by his time in Fury Fighting Championship, where he achieved a 7-1 record and won the Flyweight title by submission. This success was pivotal in launching his UFC career.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Highlights
In the UFC, Van has secured multiple wins by decision and technical knockout. His notable UFC victories include wins over Zhalgas Zhumagulov, Kevin Borjas, Felipe Bunes, Édgar Cháirez, Cody Durden, Rei Tsuruya, Bruno Gustavo da Silva, and Brandon Royval. His fight against Royval set a UFC record for significant strikes landed in a three-round flyweight bout.
Joshua Van Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Joshua Van was born into a family of five siblings in Myanmar. His family relocated internationally due to political conflict, ultimately settling in Houston, Texas. His father passed away in 2017, and Van currently lives with his mother.
Personal Life
Van is a practicing Christian. Details about his marital status or children are not publicly available. He maintains a strong connection to his Burmese heritage while representing both Burmese and American identities in his professional career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a breakthrough year for Joshua Van. He continued to build momentum with key wins, including a technical knockout over Bruno Gustavo da Silva and a unanimous decision victory against Brandon Royval, which earned him Fight of the Night honors. Van’s ability to step in on short notice and perform at a high level demonstrates his readiness for top-tier competition.
As he prepares for his scheduled Flyweight Championship bout against Alexandre Pantoja in December 2025, Van’s focus remains on maintaining his peak condition and refining his skills. His performances in 2025 have solidified his status as a leading contender in the UFC flyweight division.