12/08/2025
Many fans debate if Joshua Van truly "deserves" his flyweight belt after UFC 323 because the title win came from an injury stoppage (arm break) to champion Alexandre Pantoja, not a decisive finish, leading to mixed feelings about its legitimacy despite Van winning the fight as it stood and earning his shot via a strong run. Van fired back at critics saying, "F*ck them...I won," asserting his right to the title, though some felt his celebration was unsportsmanlike and that Pantoja would win a rematch.
Why some fans question the win:
Injury Stoppage: Pantoja's arm snapped due to a move Van applied, making it feel less like a definitive victory for Van.
Anticlimactic Ending: Fans expected a war and got an abrupt, disappointing end, making the title change feel hollow.
Celebration: Some found Van's celebratory reaction to the injury inappropriate, suggesting a lack of humility.
Why others defend the win:
Rules are Rules: Van won the fight as it happened; he applied pressure that led to the injury, which is part of fighting.
He Earned the Shot: Van had built a strong resume and was in a position to take the title shot when offered.
"Forced Error": Some argue Pantoja's injury was a "forced error" resulting from Van's effective fighting, not just luck.
