There aren’t many UFC fighters who can say they went from a refugee camp to the world’s biggest fight promotion — but Joshua Van can. This profile digs into the 24-year-old flyweight’s background, record, and the details that make his journey stand out. You’ll find confirmed facts, the questions still open, and what comes next for “The Fearless.”
Age: 24 · Height: 5’5″ · Weight: 125 lbs · MMA Record: 17-2-0 · Nationality: Burmese / American
Quick snapshot
- Burmese ethnicity, Burmese/American nationality (UFC official bio)
- Age 24, born Oct 10, 2001 (UFC Stats)
- Height 5’5″, reach 65″ (UFC Stats)
- Record 17-2-0 (ESPN)
- UFC flyweight champion (UFC official bio)
- Exact net worth or fight purses
- Marital status
- Specific religious denomination
- Next fight date
- 2001: Born in Myanmar
- 2011: Fled to Malaysia; two years in refugee camp
- ~2013: Relocated to Houston, Texas
- 2021: Professional MMA debut
- Feb 4, 2023: UFC debut
- 2024: Became UFC flyweight champion
- No official next fight announced
- Likely title defense in flyweight division
Ten key facts about the fighter, pulled from official records and major sports sources, paint a clear picture of his career and background.
| Full Name | Joshua Van Bawi Thawng |
|---|---|
| Nickname | The Fearless |
| Nationality | Burmese / American |
| Age | 24 (born Oct 10, 2001) |
| Height | 5’5″ (165 cm) |
| Weight | 125 lbs (56.7 kg) |
| Reach | 65″ (165 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Record | 17-2-0 |
| Team | 4oz Fight Club |
The pattern: The numbers are consistent across all official sources, but the personal story underneath carries the real weight.
Van’s official stats are consistent across UFC Stats, ESPN’s fighter page, and CBS Sports. The numbers are locked — it’s the personal story underneath that carries the real weight.
What ethnicity is Joshua Van?
What is Joshua Van’s nationality?
- Van is of Burmese ethnicity and holds dual nationality as a Burmese American (UFC official bio)
- He was born in Hakha, the capital of Chin State in Myanmar (DVB Myanmar media)
Is Joshua Van a refugee?
- Van and his family fled Myanmar when he was about 10 years old (DVB)
- They spent two years in a refugee camp in Malaysia before resettling in Houston, Texas (DVB)
- ESPN reports the family migrated to Houston when Van was 12 (ESPN feature)
The implication: Van’s refugee background is well-documented by multiple sources, but the exact timeline varies. DVB says 10 for the flight, ESPN says 12 for Houston arrival. Both agree the family escaped persecution and rebuilt from scratch.
How much money does Joshua Van earn?
Is Joshua Van a millionaire?
- Exact fight purses are not publicly disclosed by the UFC
- Estimated earnings from sponsorships include Yummi Sushi and Monster Energy
- Van is not confirmed to be a millionaire; his net worth remains speculative
The catch: Without a public contract or disclosed prize money, any claim about Van’s wealth is guesswork. What is clear is that champion-level UFC fighters typically earn six figures per fight, but “millionaire” status is unverified.
Is Joshua Van married?
Is Joshua Van a Catholic?
- Van has not publicly confirmed a marriage or relationship
- His Instagram bio references Romans 8:31, indicating Christian faith (Van’s Instagram account)
- Specific denomination (Catholic or Protestant) is unconfirmed
The pattern: Van shares his faith clearly — “If God is for us, who can be against us?” — but he keeps his private life private. No marital status is known.
How tall is Joshua Van?
How old is Joshua Van?
- Age: 24 (UFC Stats and CBS Sports)
- Birthdate: Oct 10, 2001 (UFC Stats)
How much does Joshua Van weigh?
- Height: 5’5″ (165 cm) (UFC Stats)
- Weight: 125 lbs (56.7 kg) (UFC Stats)
- Reach: 65″ (165 cm) (UFC Stats)
- Fights in the UFC flyweight division (125 lbs)
Why this matters: At 5’5″, Van is among the shorter fighters in flyweight, but he compensates with a 65″ reach and an orthodox stance that his team at 4oz Fight Club has honed (ESPN’s fighter data).
Van’s height is average for flyweight, but his reach is a half-inch longer than the division norm — a small edge he uses to stay on the outside before closing in.
What is Joshua Van’s MMA record?
When is Joshua Van’s next fight?
- Professional record: 17-2-0 (UFC Stats and ESPN)
- UFC debut: Feb 4, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 218 vs. Zhalgas Zhumagulov (UFC Stats)
- No official next fight announced as of 2025
The pattern: Van’s 17 wins against 2 losses include a rapid rise from debut to champion. CBS Sports notes he won the title four years after debuting, becoming the second-youngest champion in UFC history (CBS Sports).
Timeline: Joshua Van’s path to the UFC
| Period | Event |
|---|---|
| 2001 | Born in Hakha, Chin State, Myanmar |
| ~2011 | Fled Myanmar with family; spent two years in a refugee camp in Malaysia (DVB) |
| ~2013 | Resettled in Houston, Texas (ESPN) |
| 2018 | Began professional MMA career (though UFC lists pro debut in 2021) |
| Feb 4, 2023 | UFC debut vs. Zhalgas Zhumagulov (UFC Stats) |
| 2024 | Became UFC flyweight champion; record improved to 17-2 |
The pattern: Each step in Van’s timeline represents a move away from instability and toward athletic achievement.
“If God is for us, who can be against us?”
— Joshua Van, Instagram bio referencing Romans 8:31
“Becoming a UFC champion helped mend Joshua Van’s relationship with his late father.”
— ESPN feature
For fans looking to follow his career, the choice is clear: wait for the next fight booking, or comb through his Instagram for clues. Van keeps his fight schedule as unpredictable as his striking.
en.wikipedia.org, youtube.com, instagram.com, youtube.com, sherdog.com, tiktok.com, ballotbrief.co.uk
For a deeper look into his journey from Myanmar to the UFC, check out Joshua Vans full biography and record.
Frequently asked questions
What is Joshua Van’s nickname?
“The Fearless.”
What UFC weight class does Joshua Van fight in?
Flyweight (125 lbs / 56.7 kg).
What is Joshua Van’s reach?
65 inches (165 cm), per UFC Stats.
How many UFC fights has Joshua Van won?
He has a 17-2-0 professional record; his UFC wins are not separately tallied in public stats, but he won the flyweight title in 2024.
Where is Joshua Van from?
He was born in Hakha, Chin State, Myanmar, and now lives in the United States (UFC).
What does ‘The Fearless’ mean?
It’s his fighting nickname, reflecting his aggressive, forward-pressure style.
Who is Joshua Van’s manager?
Not publicly disclosed; his team is listed as 4oz Fight Club (ESPN’s fighter data).
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Jonathan Ellery is Editor-in-Chief and Responsible Publisher at Press Hive, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and the corrections process.