Joshua Van: From Refugee to Rising UFC Star — A Story of Fearless Determination – Chin Pages

Meet Joshua Van (Van Bawi Thawng), the 23-year-old fearless fighter taking the UFC by storm. His path began in Hakha, Chin State, Myanmar, where his early life was marked by hardship and displacement. At just 10, he and his family fled conflict, seeking safety in Malaysia before ultimately resettling in Houston, Texas.

With his hero, Aung La (Photo: Joshua Van’s Facebook)

In the heart of Texas, Joshua found more than just safety — he found his passion. Driven by a relentless work ethic and an unbreakable spirit, he stepped into the octagon at age 19 and never looked back. Today, Joshua Van is the first Burmese fighter in UFC history, known for his lightning-fast strikes, unshakable confidence, and refusal to back down from any challenge.

Joshua made his professional MMA debut in 2021, fighting exclusively for Fury Fighting Championship — a well-known regional promotion that has produced several UFC fighters. He built an impressive 7–1 record, earning a reputation as a fearless striker with a relentless pace. On December 18, 2022, Joshua headlined Fury FC 72, where he defeated Cleveland McLean by submission in the second round to win the promotion’s Flyweight title — a massive milestone that paved his way to the UFC.

With his mom (Photo: Joshua Van’s Facebook)

But it’s not just his wins inside the cage that make him a true champion. Joshua recently fulfilled a dream that every Burmese child carries in their heart: he bought a beautiful house for his mother, a gesture that makes every Burmese person swell with pride. In Myanmar culture, providing a home for one’s parents is a symbol of deep gratitude, success, and respect — a mark of honor that shines brighter than any championship belt.

Joshua’s heart for his people doesn’t stop there. When a devastating earthquake struck Burma, he quietly donated a significant part of his hard-earned fight purse to help the victims rebuild their lives. Despite his growing fame, he is often seen back home at his local Chin church — humble, grounded, and always giving back.

His bias-free love for the people of Burma has made him one of the most loved figures among his own people — and beyond. Although he is Chin by ethnicity, Joshua’s reputation knows no borders. He is admired not only by the Chin community but by all Burmese people and even fans across Asia. In times when ethnic and political divisions threaten to weaken national unity, Joshua stands firm: he proudly carries the Myanmar flag, no matter what critics say, reminding the younger generation to hold onto their national identity and stand together.

Inside the Octagon — His Fighting Facts

Pro Record: 15 wins, 2 losses (as of June 2025)
Notable UFC Wins: Joshua’s UFC debut came in June 2023 when he beat veteran Zhalgas Zhumagulov by split decision on short notice. He followed up with wins over Kevin Borjas, Cody Durden, Felipe Bunes (by TKO), and made headlines when he stepped in on short notice to fight No. 1-ranked Brandon Royval — one of the division’s toughest fighters — after Manel Kape pulled out due to injury. Against all odds, Joshua won by unanimous decision in a Fight of the Night bonus /performance.
What’s Next: With this huge victory, Joshua is now ready to face UFC Flyweight Champion Alexandre Pantoja for a shot at the world title — a fight that could make him the first Burmese UFC champion in history.
Striking Power: He holds one of the highest significant strikes per minute stats in UFC flyweight history — nearly 9 strikes per minute — combined with top-tier accuracy.
Estimated Career Earnings: Joshua is estimated to have earned around $350,000–$500,000 USD since his UFC debut — a testament to how far he’s come in just a few short years.