""That's crazy right? Because before the (Brandon) Royval fight they was like, 'even if you lose, it's okay'. I don't plan on losing. I'm here to take that belt from one of the greatest in our division," Van told reporters on Wednesday. "That's the goal and I stay at that.""
""Like I always say man they give him too much respect. You got to remember, I'm a counter puncher, so let's see if he wants to rush in with that. We have to wait and see come December 6," he said."
""We got to give credit to Pantoja. He's the greatest of all time in my eyes, in our division. This is the up-and-coming versus the great," he said."
""After I beat Pantoja, that's the UFC to decide who I'll fight next," Van said. "I don't really worry about nothing else. There's only one guys in my mind. That's Pantoja.""
Joshua Van will challenge Alexandre Pantoja for the UFC flyweight title at UFC 323 in front of a packed arena. Van holds a 15-2 record and has rapidly become a fan favorite due to a fearless, fast-track rise and aggressive, entertaining style. Van expects Pantoja's forward pressure to create counter-punching opportunities that he can punish when opponents overcommit on the feet. Van nevertheless credits Pantoja as the greatest in the division while remaining singularly focused on taking the belt. Van plans to win the championship and leave subsequent matchup decisions to the UFC.
Read at Cageside Press
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