Here’s a shocking revelation that’s bound to stir up the MMA world: UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van admits he had no clue who Demetrious Johnson was until recently. Yes, you read that right. The man who’s now defending the flyweight throne didn’t even know one of the most legendary fighters in UFC history existed—until after Johnson had already left the organization. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Van, just 24 years old, was only 16 when Johnson wrapped up his final year in the UFC, and he didn’t start watching UFC fights until 2017. So, while Johnson was busy defending his title a record 11 times between 2013 and 2017, Van was likely focused on his own rising career, unaware of the fighter many consider the greatest 125-pounder of all time.
Van’s introduction to Johnson came through ONE Championship, where Johnson’s highlight-reel knockout of Adriano Moraes with a flying knee went viral. ‘I swear to God I didn’t know he was in the UFC,’ Van confessed on the JAXXON Podcast. ‘I saw him fight in ONE Championship, and that knockout was everywhere. Now I know him, but I’ve never watched his fights.’ This generational gap in awareness raises a fascinating question: Does Van’s lack of familiarity with Johnson’s UFC legacy diminish his own claim to the flyweight throne? Or is it simply a reflection of the sport’s evolving landscape?
Van’s rise to the title wasn’t exactly a fairytale moment. He captured the belt in December at UFC 323 after Alexandre Pantoja was forced to withdraw due to injury, resulting in a TKO victory. Now, he’s set to defend his title for the first time against Tatsuro Taira at UFC 327 on April 11 in Miami. But here’s the part most people miss: Van openly considers Pantoja, not Johnson, as the flyweight GOAT. ‘I only started watching UFC fights after 2017,’ he explained, ‘so for me, Pantoja is the greatest.’
This perspective is sure to spark debate. Is Van’s opinion a bold statement of his era, or does it undermine the historical achievements of fighters like Johnson? And this is the part that’ll get everyone talking: If Van successfully defends his title, will he earn the respect of those who hold Johnson’s legacy sacred, or will he always be seen as a champion out of touch with UFC history? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
