Overview of Daniel Cormier TV — Joshua Van GUARANTEES win vs. Alexandre Pantoja
This episode of Daniel Cormier TV (iHeartPodcasts / The Volume) features a sit‑down with flyweight contender Joshua (Josh) Van ahead of his title fight with champion Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 323. The conversation covers Josh’s rapid rise, lessons learned from a past loss, improvements to his wrestling and takedown defense, his confidence in beating Pantoja, fight preparation for a 25‑minute title fight, and the personal meaning of becoming a world champion.
Key takeaways
- Josh Van is confident and hungry: he expects to become the new UFC flyweight champion and plans to give the belt to his mom.
- A 2024 loss was pivotal — it humbled him and improved his discipline, work ethic and mental readiness.
- His boxing remains his biggest weapon, but his takedown defense and wrestling have improved considerably.
- Josh views Pantoja as elite—especially on the ground—but believes many opponents have given Pantoja too much respect and backed up, which he will not do.
- He’s prepared for a full 25 minutes (spars up to seven 5‑minute rounds) and expects his timing and setups to separate him from other opponents.
- Mentors, coaches and teammates have helped keep him grounded and focused around fame and money.
Topics discussed
- Rapid career progression: from learning wrestling recently to now fighting for the belt.
- Growth after defeat: what Josh changed mentally and physically following his loss in 2024.
- Last big win: the barnburner vs. Brandon Royval — he dropped Royval in the third and felt that fight proved his ability to handle adversity.
- Scouting Pantoja: respect for Pantoja’s ground game; tactical plan is to not back up, to maintain distance/timing, and force him to fight Josh’s striking range.
- Championship readiness: conditioning for 25 minutes, mental focus, and the personal significance of winning the title.
- Money and maturity: admitting early-career spending mistakes, now relying on guidance from coaches/management.
- Personal details: Josh is young (23–24), loves steak, and is proud to represent his family if he wins.
What Josh expects in the fight (what to watch for)
- Striking vs. ground: Josh will try to keep the fight standing, use timing and setups rather than reckless punching, and avoid the backward movement that enabled some of Pantoja’s takedowns on other opponents.
- Durability & cardio: Josh has sparred long rounds and is prepared for a late surge in a five‑round title fight.
- Tactical discipline: improved wrestling and takedown defense should force Pantoja to trade more than he has against other opponents.
Notable quotes / soundbites
- “When I become a champion… I never think I’m successful until I get that belt.”
- On his 2024 loss: “That was the best thing that ever happened to me. Now I’m mentally prepared and physically… ready.”
- On Pantoja: “His ground, for sure. In my eyes, he’s the greatest of all time in our division.”
- On preparation: “I spar seven rounds… five minutes. So there’s nothing new to me.”
Background & context
- Interview framed as a championship media appearance with Daniel Cormier hosting and highlighting Josh’s youth and rapid ascent.
- The episode includes standard sponsor reads (Hard Rock Bet, Zin After Dark, Snapdragon, etc.), which are separate from the interview content.
Bottom line / listener action
- If you care about flyweight titles or rapid rising prospects, tune in to UFC 323 to see whether Josh Van’s improved wrestling and confident striking can neutralize Alexandre Pantoja’s elite ground game.
- Josh presents himself as a disciplined, mentally matured young contender who believes his timing, takedown defense and conditioning will win him the belt.