Jon Jones' early UFC career is particularly notable for making history as the youngest champion in the promotion's history. While unlikely, one rising fighter set to see action at UFC 313 still holds slim hopes of breaking that record.
Jones claimed the light heavyweight title at UFC 128 on March 19, 2011, when he defeated Maurício "Shogun" Rua at just 23 years of age. He's since gone on to have one of the most decorated careers in UFC history, setting multiple records at 205 pounds before moving up to heavyweight, where he later won the championship.
Now, UFC 313's Joshua Van is hoping for a chance to surpass Jones' record — but time is running out.
Van, who made his professional MMA debut in 2021, has compiled a 12-2 record, including six fights in the UFC. The 22-year-old is riding a two-fight winning streak and remains optimistic about his chances, even if he acknowledges the challenge of making history.
Nah, I never thought about it (becoming the youngest UFC champion) until I made it to the UFC, and then I was like, 'Oh, I'm pretty young... maybe I can make it happen,'" Van told MMA Knockout ahead of his return at UFC 313. "If, like, a miracle, some opportunity pulls up and I get to fight for the belt, then hey, so be it. Let's hope.
For Van to achieve this feat, he would need an unexpected title shot within the next four months, as he turns 23 soon. Current flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja is expected to defend his belt against Kai Kara-France in June, meaning Van would likely need an injury or unforeseen circumstances to open the door for him.
Van was originally scheduled to fight Bruno Gustavo da Silva on March 8 at UFC 313. However, Silva withdrew due to undisclosed reasons and was replaced by Rei Tsuruya, the winner of Road to UFC Season 2 in the flyweight division.