Joshua Van is a famous MMA fighter known for his UFC career. His real name is Joshua Van Bawi Thawng. In 2026, he is 25 years old. He was born on October 10, 2001, in Hakha, Myanmar.
He stands 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs about 125 pounds. He is the current UFC Flyweight Champion. He won the title at UFC 323 in 2025. His estimated net worth is $1.5 million in 2026.
He started MMA in 2021 after a refugee journey. He trains at 4oz Fight Club in Houston. He is known as “The Fearless.” He is the first Myanmar-born UFC champion.

Joshua Van Wiki/Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name / Real Name | Joshua Van Bawi Thawng |
| Stage Name | Joshua Van |
| Date of Birth | October 10, 2001 |
| Age in 2026 | 25 |
| Birthplace | Hakha, Chin State, Myanmar |
| Nationality | Burmese-American |
| Profession | MMA Fighter |
| Category | MMA Fighter |
| Education | Not publicly confirmed |
| Partner / Spouse | Not publicly confirmed |
| Children | None publicly confirmed |
| Career Start | 2021 |
| Company / Label / Team | 4oz Fight Club |
| Major Works | UFC Flyweight Champion |
| Achievements | First Myanmar-born UFC Champion |
| Net Worth | $1.5 million |
| Primary Income Source | UFC, Endorsements |
| Social Media Presence | Instagram, X |
Joshua Van Real Name
Joshua Van was born as Joshua Van Bawi Thawng. He uses Joshua Van as his fighting name. His full name reflects his Burmese heritage. This is confirmed by Wikipedia and UFC records.
Van is known by the nickname “The Fearless.” This nickname reflects his aggressive fighting style. His primary name is Joshua Van. He uses this name in UFC promotions.
Van was born in Hakha, Myanmar. His real name reflects his Chin ethnic roots. He is proud of his heritage. His name is respected in MMA.
Van‘s full name is often shortened by fans. His official UFC profile uses Joshua Van. His real name is used in legal documents. His name is synonymous with Asian MMA greatness.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joshua Van Bawi Thawng |
| Nickname | “The Fearless” |
| Fighting Name | Joshua Van |
| Birthplace | Hakha, Chin State, Myanmar |
Joshua Van Early Life and Education
Joshua Van grew up in Hakha, Chin State, Myanmar. He was born on October 10, 2001. He is one of 5 siblings. His family fled Myanmar due to political conflict. They moved to Malaysia when he was 10.
Van immigrated to the United States at 12 years old. His family settled in Houston, Texas. He learned street fighting from YouTube. He was bullied in school. His early life shaped his resilience.
Van‘s father passed away in 2017. He was 16 years old at the time. He promised to take care of his family. His father‘s death motivated him. His early life and education prepared him for the UFC.
Van values his family time. He keeps his family out of the spotlight. His mother supported his career. His family is his motivation. His family is central to his life.
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Childhood | Hakha, Chin State, Myanmar |
| Refugee Journey | Moved to Malaysia at 10 |
| Immigration | Moved to Houston at 12 |
| Father’s Death | 2017 |
Joshua Van Parents and Siblings
Joshua Van was born to his parents in Myanmar. His father‘s name is not publicly confirmed. His father was absent for much of his childhood. He was searching for opportunities to move the family. His father died when Van was 16.
Van is one of 5 siblings. He has 2 sisters and 2 brothers. Their names are not publicly confirmed. His siblings are important to him. His family is central to his life.
Van‘s mother supported his dreams. She raised him and his siblings alone. He lives with his mother in Houston. He credits her for his success. His mother is his motivation.
Van values his family time. He keeps his family out of the spotlight. His siblings support his career. His family is his motivation. His family is central to his life.
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Father | Deceased (2017) |
| Mother | Not publicly named |
| 2 Sisters | Not publicly named |
| 2 Brothers | Not publicly named |
Joshua Van Before Fame

Joshua Van had a tough life before fame. He made his professional MMA debut in October 2021. He fought in the Fury Fighting Championship. He compiled a 7-1 record in the promotion. He won the Fury FC Flyweight Championship in 2022.
Van appeared on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2023. He was scheduled to face Kevin Borjas. He was pulled from the show. He instead debuted in the UFC in June 2023. He defeated Zhalgas Zhumagulov. He became the first Burmese fighter in the UFC.
Van worked hard for his success. He overcame a difficult childhood. He built a successful UFC career. His journey is motivational. He is a true fighter.
Van debuted in the UFC in June 2023. He won via split decision. He earned a UFC contract. His before fame story is inspiring.
| Phase | Details |
|---|---|
| MMA Debut | October 2021 |
| Fury FC Champion | 2022 |
| UFC Debut | June 2023 |
| First Burmese UFC Fighter | 2023 |
Joshua Van Career
Joshua Van began his UFC career in 2023. He debuted against Zhalgas Zhumagulov. He won via split decision. He then won his next fight against Kevin Borjas. He won via unanimous decision. He began a historic career.
Van defeated Felipe Bunes in January 2024. He won via TKO in round 2. He lost to Charles Johnson in July 2024. This was his first and only UFC defeat. He then won his next 7 fights. He became a top contender.
Van won the UFC Flyweight Championship at UFC 323 in December 2025. He defeated Alexandre Pantoja via TKO in 26 seconds. He became the first Myanmar-born UFC champion. He became the second youngest champion in UFC history.
Van defended his title against Tatsuro Taira at UFC 328 in May 2026. He won via TKO in round 5. He holds a record of 17-2-0. He is ranked #11 in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings. He remains the UFC Flyweight Champion.
| Year | Career / Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2023 | UFC Debut |
| 2025 | Won UFC Flyweight Championship |
| 2025 | First Myanmar-born UFC Champion |
| 2026 | First Title Defense |
Joshua Van Family
Joshua Van is a private person. He was raised in Houston, Texas. He is one of 5 siblings. He lives with his mother. His family is small and close.
Van‘s father passed away in 2017. He was 16 years old at the time. His father was absent for much of his childhood. His mother raised him and his siblings alone. His family life is private.
Van values his family time. He keeps his family out of the spotlight. His mother supported his career. His family is his motivation. His family is central to his life.
Van focuses on his career and his family. He does not share many details about his personal life. His family is important to him. He keeps his personal life separate from his public life. His family is his priority.
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Father | Deceased (2017) |
| Mother | Not publicly named |
| 4 Siblings | Not publicly named |
Joshua Van Wife, Girlfriend, or Partner
Joshua Van is not publicly married. His relationship status is not publicly confirmed. He keeps his personal life private. He does not share details about his romantic life. His relationship status remains a mystery.
Van has no children publicly confirmed. He focuses on his fighting career. He does not discuss his dating life openly. His private life is separate from his public persona. He values his privacy.
Van is currently single or private about his relationship. His fans often ask about his partner. He does not provide answers. His personal life remains private. He is focused on his career.
Van values his privacy. He keeps his personal life separate from his public life. His family is his priority. He focuses on his career and his training. His relationship status is not publicly confirmed.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Not publicly confirmed |
| Partner | Not publicly confirmed |
| Children | None publicly confirmed |
Joshua Van Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
Joshua Van is 25 years old in 2026. He was born on October 10, 2001. He stands 5 feet 5 inches tall. He weighs approximately 125 pounds. He has a muscular and athletic build.
Van has dark eyes and black hair. His reach is 65 inches. He has an orthodox stance. He has a clean-shaven face. He has a medium skin tone.
Van‘s physique is impressive. He maintains his fitness with intense training. He follows a strict diet and workout plan. His fitness is a key part of his success. He is a physical specimen.
Van trains at 4oz Fight Club in Houston. He follows a disciplined regimen. His fitness is a key part of his brand. He is a physical specimen. He inspires others with his dedication.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
| Weight | 125 pounds (57 kg) |
| Reach | 65 inches (165 cm) |
| Eye Color | Dark |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Body Type | Muscular / Athletic |
| Stance | Orthodox |
Joshua Van Social Media Presence

Joshua Van is active on Instagram and X. His Instagram handle is @joshuavanbt. He shares training videos and fight promos. He posts photos with his family. His Instagram is his primary platform.
Van uses social media to connect with fans. He posts motivational content. He shares updates about his fights. He also shares unique content about his training. His social media is authentic.
Van‘s social media following is growing. He has over 200,000 Instagram followers. He uses his platform to promote his fights. He also shares insights into his training. His social media is impactful.
Van does not engage in online drama. He keeps his posts positive and motivational. He uses social media to promote his projects. His presence is professional. He values his online community.
| Platform | Handle |
|---|---|
| @joshuavanbt | |
| X | @JoshuaVanBT |
Joshua Van Awards and Achievements
Joshua Van has many MMA achievements. He is the current UFC Flyweight Champion. He was the first Myanmar-born UFC champion. He became the second youngest champion in UFC history. He holds a record of 17-2-0.
Van earned a Performance of the Night bonus against Brandon Royval at UFC 317. He earned a Fight of the Night bonus against Tatsuro Taira at UFC 328. He has 9 wins by knockout. He has 2 wins by submission. His achievements are historic.
Van holds the record for the youngest fighter in UFC history to reach 1,000 significant strikes. He achieved this at 23 years and 267 days. He was named the 2025 Breakout Fighter of the Year by MMA Junkie. His achievements are impressive.
Van continues to inspire fans with his journey. He overcame a difficult childhood. He returned stronger after his only loss. He plans to continue his career. His achievements are impressive. He is a true warrior.
| Category | Year(s) | Award / Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| UFC Flyweight Championship | 2025–present | Champion |
| UFC Performance of the Night | 2025 | Bonus Winner |
| UFC Fight of the Night | 2026 | Bonus Winner |
| MMA Junkie Breakout Fighter | 2025 | Winner |
Joshua Van Net Worth
Joshua Van has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million in 2026. His wealth comes from UFC earnings, bonuses, and endorsements. His career earnings are estimated at over $1.5 million. His net worth is well-documented.
Van earns from UFC fights. His salary ranges from $24,000 to $1.2 million per fight. He earned $1.2 million for his fight against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 323. He earned $742,000 for his fight against Tatsuro Taira at UFC 328. His most lucrative fight was against Alexandre Pantoja. His income is increasing.
Van supplements his income with sponsorships. He has partnerships with Monster Energy. He also earns from appearances. His primary income is from fighting. He continues to compete for money. His wealth reflects his success.
Van lives in Houston, Texas. He owns property in the area. His assets include investments and real estate. His net worth is estimated by Celebrity Net Worth. He is financially secure. His wealth reflects his success. His family benefits from his success.
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| UFC | Fight purses and bonuses |
| Endorsements | Monster Energy |
| Appearances | Interviews and events |
| Real Estate | Houston, Texas |
Joshua Van Nationality and Religion
Joshua Van is a Burmese-American national. He was born in Hakha, Myanmar. He immigrated to the United States at 12. He represents both Myanmar and the USA. His nationality is Burmese-American.
Van‘s religion is not widely publicized. He does not discuss his faith publicly. His religious beliefs are private. He focuses on his family and career. His religion is personal to him.
Van has Burmese roots. He is proud of his heritage. He carries the Myanmar flag to his fights. He honors his home country. His heritage is important to him.
Van speaks Burmese and English. He has a connection to his Burmese roots. His nationality is Burmese-American. His religion is private. His heritage is diverse.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Burmese-American |
| Religion | Not publicly confirmed |
| Heritage | Burmese |
| Languages | Burmese, English |
Joshua Van Public Image
Joshua Van has a positive public image. He is known as a resilient and exciting fighter. He is respected for his comeback story. He is popular among UFC fans. His public image is authentic.
Van is often praised for his striking power. He is known for his aggressive style. He is considered one of the most entertaining fighters in the division. He has a high finish rate. His public image is that of a warrior.
Van is open about his career struggles. He speaks publicly about his losses. He uses his platform to inspire others. He is seen as a genuine person. His public image is positive and inspiring.
Van handles setbacks with grace. He rejected reports that he was done after his loss. He returned to win the title. He is committed to his career. His public image is strong. He is a true professional.
| Phase | Public Image |
|---|---|
| 2021–2023 | Rising Prospect |
| 2023–2025 | Breakout Contender |
| 2025–2026 | Champion and History Maker |
Joshua Van Legacy and Impact
Joshua Van has a growing legacy in MMA. He is considered one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC. He holds the record for the youngest fighter to reach 1,000 significant strikes. He has 9 wins by knockout. His legacy is secure.
Van‘s impact goes beyond his record. He inspired Burmese fighters to pursue MMA. He showed that refugees can achieve greatness. He proved that hard work and dedication pay off. His impact is generational.
Van holds the record for the youngest fighter in UFC history to reach 1,000 significant strikes. He became the first Myanmar-born UFC champion. He earned 2 post-fight bonuses. His legacy is defined by his resilience. He is a true warrior.
Van continues to inspire fans with his journey. He overcame a difficult childhood. He returned stronger after his only loss. He plans to continue his career. His legacy is still being written. He is a true warrior.
| Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
| Burmese MMA | Pioneer |
| Records | Youngest to 1,000 Significant Strikes |
| Inspiration | Burmese fighters |
| Resilience | Refugee to Champion |
Joshua Van Future Plans and Goals
Joshua Van plans to continue his UFC career. He wants to defend his UFC Flyweight title. He has stated he wants to maximize his potential. He wants to leave a lasting legacy. His future is planned.
Van returned to training after his 2026 win. He is focused on his next fight. He wants to climb the rankings. He wants to fight top contenders. He is focused on his career.
Van wants to fight for many more years. He is 25 years old and still improving. He wants to leave a lasting legacy. He wants to inspire others. His goals are clear.
Van wants to inspire others with his journey. He wants to show that hard work pays off. He plans to continue his charity work. He wants to enjoy his life with his family. His future is exciting. He is at peace.
| Plan | Details |
|---|---|
| UFC Career | Continue fighting |
| Championship | Defend UFC Flyweight title |
| Legacy | Inspire others |
| Family | Enjoy life with family |
Joshua Van Championships and Achievements
| Championship | Times | Years |
|---|---|---|
| UFC Flyweight Championship | 1 | 2025–present |
| Fury FC Flyweight Championship | 1 | 2022 |
| UFC Performance of the Night | 1 | 2025 |
| UFC Fight of the Night | 1 | 2026 |
Joshua Van Matches List
- Joshua Van vs. Zhalgas Zhumagulov – 2023 (UFC Debut)
- Joshua Van vs. Kevin Borjas – 2023
- Joshua Van vs. Felipe Bunes – 2024
- Joshua Van vs. Charles Johnson – 2024 (Loss)
- Joshua Van vs. Edgar Chairez – 2024
- Joshua Van vs. Cody Durden – 2024
- Joshua Van vs. Rei Tsuruya – 2025
- Joshua Van vs. Bruno Silva – 2025
- Joshua Van vs. Brandon Royval – 2025
- Joshua Van vs. Alexandre Pantoja – 2025 (Won UFC Title)
- Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira – 2026 (Title Defense)
Joshua Van Hobbies
- Training in MMA
- Playing video games
- Watching movies
- Spending time with family
- Fishing
- Cooking
- Traveling
- Watching documentaries
- Playing basketball
- Reading
Joshua Van Favorite Things
- Favorite Food: Burmese cuisine
- Favorite Movie: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite Fighter: Bruce Lee
- Favorite Color: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite Music: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite Sport: MMA
- Favorite Place: Houston, Texas
- Favorite Quote: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite Team: Not publicly confirmed
Joshua Van Lesser-Known Facts
| Fact No. | Lesser-Known Fact |
|---|---|
| 1 | He fled Myanmar at 10 years old. |
| 2 | He lived in a Malaysian refugee camp. |
| 3 | He immigrated to the US at 12. |
| 4 | He learned street fighting from YouTube. |
| 5 | He was bullied in school. |
| 6 | His father died when he was 16. |
| 7 | He became the first Burmese fighter in the UFC. |
| 8 | He won the UFC Flyweight title in 26 seconds. |
| 9 | He is the second youngest champion in UFC history. |
| 10 | He holds the record for youngest to 1,000 significant strikes. |
| 11 | He earned $1.2 million for his title win. |
| 12 | He earned $742,000 for his first title defense. |
| 13 | He has 9 wins by knockout. |
| 14 | He lives with his mother in Houston. |
| 15 | He has 4 siblings. |
| 16 | He trains at 4oz Fight Club. |
| 17 | He speaks Burmese and English. |
| 18 | He plans to defend his UFC title. |
Joshua Van FAQs
Q1: What is Joshua Van’s net worth in 2026?
Joshua Van‘s net worth is estimated at $1.5 million in 2026. His income comes from UFC, bonuses, and endorsements. He earned over $1.5 million in his MMA career.
Q2: How old is Joshua Van in 2026?
Joshua Van is 25 years old in 2026. He was born on October 10, 2001. His birthday has not yet occurred this year.
Q3: What is Joshua Van’s height and weight?
Joshua Van is 5 feet 5 inches tall. He weighs about 125 pounds. He has a muscular and athletic build.
Q4: Is Joshua Van married?
Joshua Van is not publicly married. His relationship status is not publicly confirmed. He keeps his personal life private.
Q5: Did Joshua Van ever win a UFC title?
Yes, Joshua Van is the current UFC Flyweight Champion. He won the title at UFC 323 in 2025. He defended his title at UFC 328 in 2026.
Q6: What is Joshua Van’s real name?
His real name is Joshua Van Bawi Thawng. He uses Joshua Van as his fighting name. He is known as “The Fearless.”
Q7: Is Joshua Van still fighting?
Yes, Joshua Van is still fighting in 2026. He defended his title against Tatsuro Taira at UFC 328. He plans to continue his career.
Conclusion
Joshua Van is a Burmese-American MMA champion. His real name is Joshua Van Bawi Thawng. In 2026, he is 25 years old. He was born on October 10, 2001, in Hakha, Myanmar. He stands 5 feet 5 inches and weighs 125 pounds.
He started his MMA career in 2021. He won the UFC Flyweight Championship in 2025. He trains at 4oz Fight Club in Houston. His net worth is $1.5 million in 2026. He holds a record of 17-2-0.
He is the first Myanmar-born UFC champion. He plans to defend his UFC Flyweight title. He continues to inspire fans with his resilience. His legacy is secure as a global icon.
This mirrors the inspirational and detailed structure of the previous profiles, highlighting Joshua Van‘s journey from a refugee camp to UFC flyweight glory.

