Joshua Van achieved the UFC flyweight championship title under unfortunate circumstances at UFC 323. The event took place in December 2023 in Las Vegas. Van’s opponent, Alexandre Pantoja, suffered an injury after executing a head kick and subsequently falling to the ground due to Van’s action.
Charles Johnson, a rising flyweight who has faced Van previously, expressed his support for Van’s championship win. Johnson emphasized that despite the circumstances, Van should be considered a legitimate champion. “He’s the champion. He has the belt,” Johnson stated. He acknowledged the unfortunate turn of events but emphasized that Van earned his title through hard work and dedication.
Van’s Championship Victory: A Controversial Win?
Johnson reflected on the match, stating that it did not reflect either fighter’s true potential. “Joshua gave himself every opportunity to win by winning every fight leading up to that,” he noted. Johnson stressed the importance of always being prepared and taking risks, as these factors contributed to Van’s title acquisition.
Regarding Pantoja, Johnson highlighted his skills and foresaw a strong comeback. “He’s going to come back with a vengeance,” Johnson predicted, citing Pantoja as one of the elite fighters in the UFC. He believes that the injury, while unfortunate, could lead to personal growth for Pantoja and provide new motivation for his future career.
Johnson’s Upcoming Fight at UFC 324
Charles Johnson is set to face Alex Perez at UFC 324 on January 24, 2024. Johnson is motivated to achieve a place among the top contenders while also focusing on performance and securing finishes. “My main focus is breaking records in this promotion,” he stated, aiming to reach the most finishes in the flyweight division.
Perez, a veteran of the flyweight ranks, has faced challenges recently, having lost five of his last six fights. Despite this, Johnson does not believe Perez is in jeopardy of losing his UFC position, considering his experience and previous performances.
- Johnson’s Recent Fights:
- Victory against Sumudaerji
- Victory against Lone’er Kavanagh
- Decision loss to Ramazan Temirov
- Upcoming Matches:
- Johnson vs. Alex Perez at UFC 324 on January 24, 2024
In this competitive environment, Johnson recognizes the need to capitalize on opportunities while respecting the journey of his opponents. He remains committed to showcasing his abilities and maintaining a strong focus on reaching the championship title. “I feel like I’m the best, and I’m training like I’m the best,” Johnson concluded, expressing confidence in his future performance.
