Joshua Van’s explosive showdown with Brandon Royval has been named MMA Fighting’s 2025 Fight of the Year after the flyweight rivals delivered an unforgettable battle inside the Octagon.
The short-notice clash took place in June, when Van stepped in on just three weeks’ preparation to face former title challenger Royval. Despite entering the year unranked, Van produced a career-defining performance in what became a modern flyweight classic.
Across three relentless rounds, Van and Royval combined to throw nearly 800 strikes, with both fighters landing more than 200 significant strikes each — a first in UFC history for a three-round bout. The fight showcased a rare blend of pace, toughness and precision, earning widespread praise as a display of calculated chaos.
Van scored the bout’s only knockdown, which proved decisive on the scorecards and propelled him to victory. The win elevated him to the No. 1 contender spot at 125 pounds, while both fighters were rewarded with Fight of the Night bonuses. UFC CEO Dana White later revealed that Royval received both his show and win money, acknowledging the magnitude of his performance despite the loss.
The fight capped off a remarkable year for Van and stood out among a 2025 calendar filled with technical showcases, brutal wars and emotional farewells, cementing its place as the year’s most memorable contest.
