MMA Match Preview: Brandon Royval (17-7-0) vs. Joshua Van (14-2-0)

The flyweight division will see an exciting clash as former title challenger Brandon “Raw Dawg” Royval takes on rising prospect Joshua “The Fearless” Van at UFC 317, hosted at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Van steps in on short notice to replace Manel Kape, making this a high-risk, high-reward opportunity for the young fighter.

Fight Details

Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025

Time: Preliminary Card – Approx. 6:00 PM ET

Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada

Event: UFC 317: Topuria vs. Oliveira

Broadcast: ESPN+ Pay-Per-View

Fighter Profiles & Stats

Brandon Royval (USA) – “Raw Dawg”

Record: 17-7-0

Age: 32

Height: 5’9″

Weight: 125 lbs

Reach: 70.5″

Strikes Landed Per Minute: 3.29

Striking Accuracy: 38%

Takedown Accuracy: 100%

Significant Strike Defense: 79%

Royval is a high-energy fighter, known for his relentless pace and submission skills. Since losing to flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 296, Royval has rebounded with back-to-back wins over former champion Brandon Moreno and Tatsuro Taira, proving he remains a top contender.

Joshua Van (Myanmar) – “The Fearless”

Record: 14-2-0

Age: 23

Height: 5’5″

Weight: 125 lbs

Reach: 65″

Strikes Landed Per Minute: 4.12

Striking Accuracy: 48%

Takedown Accuracy: 33%

Significant Strike Defense: 50%

Van is a rising star, currently on a four-fight winning streak, including a dominant finish over Bruno Silva at UFC 316. He has won 12 of his last 13 fights, showcasing his ability to adapt and improve quickly.

Key Matchups to Watch

Striking Battle: Van has the edge in volume (4.12 strikes per minute), but Royval has better reach (70.5″).

Takedown Game: Royval has a 100% takedown accuracy, while Van defends 66% of takedown attempts.

Fight Pace: Royval absorbs 5.23 strikes per minute, meaning Van could exploit openings with counter-strikes.