Where Is Joshua Van From? Joshua Van, known in the UFC as “The Fearless,” has captured the attention of MMA fans worldwide with his explosive fighting style and inspiring journey. As one of the brightest prospects in the UFC flyweight division, Van’s story is not just about his skills in the octagon but also about his remarkable path from his birthplace to the global stage. So, where is Joshua Van from, and how did his origins shape his career? Let’s dive into his background and explore the journey that made him a trailblazer for Myanmar in the UFC.
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Early Life in Myanmar
Joshua Van, born Van Bawi Thawng on October 10, 2001, hails from Hakha, a city in Chin State, Myanmar. Growing up in a family of five siblings, Van’s early years were marked by the challenges of living in a country plagued by political instability and military conflict. Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, has faced decades of turmoil, including a military junta that created unsafe conditions for many families, including Van’s. This environment of unrest profoundly influenced his family’s decision to seek a better life elsewhere.
At the age of ten, Van and his family fled Myanmar due to the worsening political situation under the SPDC (State Peace and Development Council) junta. Their first stop was Malaysia, where they sought better opportunities for education and work. However, life in Malaysia was only a stepping stone. Three years later, when Van was twelve, his family made another significant move, this time to Houston, Texas, in the United States. This relocation marked a turning point in Van’s life, setting the stage for his eventual rise in the world of mixed martial arts.
Adapting to Life in Houston
Arriving in Houston as a pre-teen, Van faced the challenges of adapting to a new country, culture, and language. As a small-statured child who spoke little English, he encountered bullying at school, which tested his resilience. These experiences, however, shaped his fighting spirit. Van has shared that growing up in Myanmar, where he was often picked on due to his size, instilled in him a natural inclination to stand up for himself. “I was a small kid. From where I come from, you get picked on. It’s kind of like I fight every day,” he told MMA Junkie. His love for Bruce Lee films further fueled his interest in martial arts, sparking a passion that would define his future.
Van’s early experiences with street fights and his fascination with combat sports led him to a gym in Houston, where he began training under coach Scott Juarez at Precision. This was where his MMA journey began in earnest. At 19, he started training to channel his competitive drive, and by 2020, he made his amateur MMA debut. His rapid progression saw him go 4-0 as an amateur, culminating in winning the Fury FC Amateur Series flyweight championship. In 2021, he turned professional, quickly establishing himself as a force in the regional Fury Fighting Championship, where he compiled a 7-1 record and won the Fury FC Flyweight title in 2022.
Breaking Barriers in the UFC
Van’s professional career took a historic turn when he signed with the UFC in 2023, becoming the first Burmese fighter to compete in the promotion. His debut at UFC on ABC 5 on June 24, 2023, was a landmark moment, as he defeated Zhalgas Zhumagulov via split decision, marking Myanmar’s first UFC victory. This achievement was deeply personal for Van, who expressed pride in representing his homeland on the global stage. “It meant everything to me, to be able to represent my country on the biggest stage,” he said in an interview with MMA Junkie.
Despite his pride in his Burmese heritage, Van faced challenges in displaying the Myanmar flag in the octagon due to logistical issues, possibly related to the UFC’s unfamiliarity with the country’s representation. Nevertheless, Van continues to carry the spirit of Myanmar with him, embodying the resilience of a nation marked by struggle. As of June 2025, Van holds a professional record of 14-2 and is ranked #12 in the UFC flyweight division, with notable wins over fighters like Edgar Chairez, Cody Durden, and Rei Tsuruya.
A Dual Identity
Joshua Van’s nationality reflects his journey: he was born in Myanmar but holds citizenship in both Myanmar and the United States. Fighting out of Houston, Texas, where he trains with the 4oz Fight Club, Van has embraced his American identity while staying deeply connected to his Burmese roots. His story resonates with many immigrants who navigate the complexities of dual identities, balancing pride in their heritage with the opportunities of their new home.
Van’s fighting style—characterized by high-volume striking and relentless pressure—mirrors his life’s tenacity. With an 81% takedown defense and the highest significant strikes per minute (8.10) in UFC history, according to UFC official records, Van is a standout in the flyweight division. His ability to finish fights, with six knockouts and two submissions in his 13 wins, showcases his versatility and determination.
Looking Ahead
Where Is Joshua Van From? At just 23 years old, Joshua Van is poised for a bright future in the UFC. His upcoming fight against Brandon Royval at UFC 317 on June 28, 2025, is a significant opportunity to break into the top five of the flyweight division. A win could solidify his status as a title contender and further elevate Myanmar’s presence in global MMA. Van’s journey from a small town in Myanmar to the bright lights of the UFC is a testament to his resilience, hard work, and fearless spirit.
FAQs
Q1: Where was Joshua Van born?
A: Joshua Van was born in Hakha, Chin State, Myanmar, on October 10, 2001.
Q2: Why did Joshua Van’s family leave Myanmar?
A: His family fled Myanmar due to political instability and violence under the SPDC junta, seeking better education and job opportunities, first in Malaysia and later in the United States.
Q3: What is Joshua Van’s nationality?
A: Joshua Van holds dual citizenship in Myanmar and the United States, having moved to Houston, Texas, at age 12.
Q4: When did Joshua Van start his MMA career?
A: Van began his amateur MMA career in 2020 and turned professional in 2021, quickly rising through the ranks in Fury Fighting Championship before joining the UFC in 2023.
Q5: What is Joshua Van’s UFC record as of June 2025?
A: As of June 2025, Joshua Van has a UFC record of 6-1, with a professional record of 14 wins and 2 losses.