The upcoming UFC 323 co-main event already carries plenty of hype — and its underdog challenger, 24-year-old Joshua Van, is refusing to overthink it. Van will attempt to dethrone flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja this weekend, and despite the magnitude of the fight, the contender says he’s walking into the cage with no rigid tactic. Instead, he plans to rely on instincts, adaptability, and confidence in his own skill set.

Van’s path to this title opportunity has been swift. Riding a five-fight win streak, the up-and-coming flyweight had just defeated a top contender to earn a shot at the championship. Though most fighters would spend weeks analyzing tape and preparing a restrictive gameplan for a dominant champion like Pantoja — known for elite grappling, takedowns, and choke finishes — Van took a different approach.

“I don’t have any game plan, to be honest,” Van said. “It’s wherever the fight goes. You can make game plans and things like that, but come fight day, it can be a whole different game. Whatever he brings, I’ll be ready. If it wants to strike, we’ll strike. If he wants to go to the ground, I’m ready for that.” By refusing to commit to a singular blueprint, Van is betting on fluidity — believing that unpredictability may be the key to overcoming Pantoja’s strengths.

It’s a bold strategy — perhaps even reckless by some standards — given the stakes. Pantoja hasn’t lost since mid-2020, and during that time he’s defended his flyweight title multiple times, neutralizing dangerous opponents with a blend of wrestling and submission artistry. With the record, finishes, and experience stacking up in the champion’s favor, many pundits believe Van is asking a lot by promising a three-round knockout and declaring a willingness to adapt on the fly.

Still, Van isn’t shying away from ambition. Standing across from Pantoja, he believes he represents the rising generation of flyweights unafraid to mix pace, pressure, and striking output. He doesn’t want to be boxed into expectations of groundwork or defense — instead, he wants to show he can hang with the division’s best in any realm, from stand-up exchanges to grappling scrambles.

That mindset doesn’t erase reality. Pantoja’s experience, composure, and finishing record make him one of the most dangerous fighters at 125 pounds. He’s shown repeatedly that he can drag fights to the mat, punish opponents for mistakes, and finish when opportunities open. Analysts warn that Van’s refusal to rely on a stable gameplan could play into Pantoja’s favor — leaving openings for takedowns and transitions that might be difficult to recover from against a champion of that caliber.

Yet Van seems comfortable with the risk. He told media that he’s prepared for all outcomes — whether the cage turns into a striking battle, a grappling war, or a chaotic mix of both. He’s banking on conditioning, fight-readiness, and a fresh mindset over meticulous preparation. To him, adaptability and willingness to fight in the moment are more valuable than a rigid checklist.

Joshua Van says he doesn't have a game plan going into his title fight against Alexandre Pantoja:

"I don't have any game plan, to be honest... You can make game plans and things like that, but when the fight comes, it can be a whole different game. Whatever he brings, I'll be… pic.twitter.com/2ELMYjVcHF

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 1, 2025

If he loses — especially by submission or being controlled on the ground — the gamble might be remembered as a promising debut hamstrung by naiveté. Critics will point out that underestimating a champion like Pantoja without a plan was reckless. The concept of “leave it all to instinct” could be tested harshly in those conditions.

But Van seems unfazed by the possible downside. For him, this isn’t about playing it safe or maintaining record; it’s about seizing opportunity. He’s young, motivated, and confident enough to gamble it all on his own fighting identity. He believes that regardless of opponent or pressure, he can handle whatever comes — as long as he stays true to himself. As he said: “I’m ready for whatever he brings that night.”

When fighters talk like that, the fight becomes more than just a bout — it becomes a statement. At UFC 323, Joshua Van’s challenge against Alexandre Pantoja may be defined not just by skill, but by courage, unpredictability, and the fight-or-die mindset that only young blood can bring. Whether that gamble pays off will be one of the most watched stories on fight night.