Under the blazing lights of UFC 310, Joshua Van delivered a performance that left fans buzzing. Trading blows with Cody Durden in a high-paced flyweight clash, the 23-year-old showed grit, precision, and an unyielding will to win. Despite falling short of a knockout, Van’s 140 significant strikes spoke volumes about his prowess and secured him a unanimous decision victory over Durden.

But for Van, the fight wasn’t the only battle on his mind. Between his clean combinations and unwavering focus, Van harbored a deeper longing—a chance to carry his Myanmar flag into the Octagon. At the post-fight press conference, when asked if it was the UFC and Dana White who told him that he couldn’t carry his country’s flag into the Octagon, Van revealed, “No, it’s not the UFC really, it’s like some member have to approve it. So like we’ve been working… I forgot what is the name but they have to approve my flag that it is a country, so Myanmar is a country”

It’s a journey that’s been underway since Van first set foot in the UFC. “We’ve been trying to get my flag seen ever since I got here,” he explained. Since joining the UFC, he’s been fighting not just for wins but for the opportunity to shine a spotlight on his roots.

The UFC and Dana White aren’t standing in his way, though. Van acknowledged their support, saying they’ve done their part in pushing his case forward. “They’re doing the best they can, but hopefully we get approved for my next fight.” he noted. Still, the final decision lies elsewhere.

The struggle for identity and recognition isn’t unique to Joshua Van—it’s a reflection of a nation fighting its own battles on the world stage. Myanmar, Van’s homeland, has been embroiled in a protracted civil war since a military coup toppled its civilian government in 2021.

In 2023, UFC boss Dana White also signaled an end to the ban on fighters representing their flags inside the Octagon as he stated, “When the decision was made to do this, I was just like, ‘Eh, what’s the big deal if they don’t have flags?’ Mexican Independence Day flipped the switch and I was like, ‘That’s enough of the no flags thing.’ Flags are back.”

Just as the people of Myanmar battle for recognition and autonomy, Van is determined to bring his country’s flag into the Octagon, a symbolic act of pride and defiance. His persistence, much like that of his homeland, reflects an unyielding spirit that refuses to be overshadowed or forgotten. So, what’s next for Joshua Van after UFC 310? Well, how about a shot at taking on the top of the division?

Joshua Van signals to Dana White that he is ready for elite flyweights after huge UFC 310 victory

At UFC 310, Joshua Van proved he is a threat in the flyweight division. From the opening bell, Cody Durden wasted no time imposing his pace, using aggressive combinations and timely takedowns to keep Van on the defensive. Van, however, weathered the storm with grit. His arms flailed momentarily under Durden’s assault, but he regrouped and began to pick his shots. As the first round drew to a close, Van’s crisp jabs and calculated counters hinted at a shift in momentum.

The second round brought a turning point. A well-timed head kick from Van stunned Durden, forcing him to adopt a frantic approach. Van capitalized on every opportunity, his punches slicing through Durden’s defense like a hot knife through butter and that was the story of the fight till the end of the contest.

At his post-fight press conference, Van gave credit to his opponent as he stated, “I wish I could have got the knockout but he’s a tough man.” Now, with a 2-fight win streak under his belt, the Myanmar native also proclaimed, “I want to face a top 10 or a top 5. I’m fearless. I’ll fight whoever is in front of me.”

While his fists spoke loudly inside the Octagon, his quest to see his flag approved for future fights speaks volumes about his heart. As Joshua Van sets his sights on top-tier opponents, the question isn’t just about his next matchup—it’s about his next milestone. Will Dana White and the UFC pull through and approve his flag? Can his victories spark the recognition he fights for? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!