UFC 317: Joshua Van Secures Unanimous Decision Over Royval in Thrilling Flyweight Clash
LAS VEGAS, Nevada – June 29, 2025 – In a highly anticipated flyweight bout at UFC 317, rising prospect Joshua Van delivered the biggest victory of his career, defeating the top-ranked contender Brandon Royval by unanimous decision. The high-paced, three-round battle at the T-Mobile Arena, held during International Fight Week, is already being hailed as a potential “Fight of the Year” candidate.
Van, who stepped in on short notice after Manel Kape withdrew due to injury, showcased remarkable resilience and impressive striking just three weeks after his previous bout. “The Fearless” extended his professional win streak to five, proving he is a formidable force in the competitive flyweight division.
From the opening bell, both fighters engaged in a relentless striking exchange. Royval, known for his aggressive style and jab, worked to control the distance with leg kicks. However, Van, despite his cautious start, found success with counter left and right hands, briefly knocking Royval down in the first round. While Royval quickly regained his composure, Van’s power was a consistent factor throughout the fight.
The second round saw Royval maintaining his jab and mixing in combinations, drawing reactions from Van. Yet, Van responded with clean counters and effective body shots, keeping the exchanges intense. As the fight entered the final round, the pace remained blistering. Van pressed forward, while Royval unleashed high-volume flurries. In the closing moments, Van landed a significant right hand that once again dropped Royval, cementing his dominant performance in a closely contested final frame.
All three judges scored the bout in favor of Joshua Van, with scorecards reading 29-28, 29-28, and a decisive 30-27. The collective 419 punches thrown by the duo set a new UFC record for a three-round fight, underscoring the incredible intensity and output from both athletes.
For Joshua Van, this victory over the No. 1 ranked Brandon Royval unequivocally elevates his standing within the UFC flyweight division, positioning him as a strong contender for future title contention. Royval, despite the loss, contributed to a memorable fight that captivated fans worldwide.