Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: Daniel Cormier TV - Joshua Van GUARANTEES win vs. Alexandre Pantoja to become NEW UFC CHAMPION
Date: December 6, 2025

Main Theme

This episode dives into the rapid ascent of UFC Flyweight contender Joshua Van as he prepares to challenge Alexandre Pantoja for the title at UFC 323. Interviewed by a seasoned MMA host (likely Daniel Cormier from context), Van discusses his career trajectory, the lessons learned from adversity, his mindset heading into the biggest fight of his life, and his pride in representing Myanmar.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Joshua Van’s Meteoric Rise

Timestamp: [05:29] – [05:55]

• Joshua Van expresses confidence and hunger for success, correcting the host’s “if you become a world champion” to “when I become a champion.”
• He reflects on his quick journey to a title shot, noting it feels both sudden and like perfect timing:
  • “I wanted to get it sooner, but I think this is the perfect timing.” – Joshua Van [05:55]

2. Impact of His First UFC Loss

Timestamp: [06:08] – [06:27]

• Van wanted to be “the youngest champion” but points out his first loss in 2023 slowed him and forced maturity.
• He describes the loss as “the best thing that ever happened,” making him more “mentally and physically prepared.”

3. Navigating Fame and Staying Grounded

Timestamp: [07:15] – [07:46]

• At just 24, Van has avoided pitfalls that tempt young athletes (“Jon Jones, for one, look at how crazy he was…”).
• Attributes his grounded nature to his coaches and mentors:
  • “That guy kept me on my… He always checks on me...if I slack off, man, they get on my ass.” – Joshua Van [07:31]

4. Signature Fights & Growth

Timestamp: [08:19] – [10:09]

• The “barn burner with Brandon Royval” is highlighted as a turning point.
• Van felt he clearly won all three rounds but recognized the urgency, especially after being told it might be tied.
• On growth:
  • “I feel like I grew in the Chirus fight…he grabbed the cage and Spinning elbow…That kind of showed me who I am as a fighter.” – Joshua Van [09:49]

5. Facing Alexandre Pantoja: Breaking Down the Challenge

Timestamp: [10:14] – [11:33]

• Van shows deep respect for Pantoja’s ground skills:
  • “He’s one of the—in my eyes—he’s the greatest of all time in our division.” – Joshua Van [10:34]
• The host pushes back, mentioning Demetrious Johnson as another all-time great.
• Van analyzes Pantoja’s recent opponents, noting their respect and passivity enabled Pantoja’s success:
  • “They’re giving him too much respect…look at Kai fight…he trip on himself…I'm not going to make the same mistake.” – Joshua Van [11:33]

6. Van’s Unique Striking and Game Plan

Timestamp: [12:09] – [12:48]

• Van distinguishes his striking from previous Pantoja opponents:
  • “Moreno...he’s just a fast punching guy…Me, I got my timing…I set up things.” – Joshua Van [12:26]

7. Preparation for the Five-Round, 25-Minute Championship

Timestamp: [12:48] – [13:09]

• Experienced with long sparring to prepare for a title bout.
  • “I sparred seven rounds...so there’s nothing new to me, man.” – Joshua Van [12:55]

8. Motivation & Meaning of Becoming Champion

Timestamp: [13:02] – [13:27]

• For Van, the belt means ultimate success, national pride, and a dream fulfilled for his family:
  • "...just getting the belt, representing my country, Myanmar, and...giving that belt to my mom would mean the world to me." – Joshua Van [13:09]

9. Financial Discipline & Perspective

Timestamp: [13:27] – [14:09]

• Early career spending mistakes (“I did the same with my first two UFC check...It lasted me a week” – Joshua Van [13:40]) have led to a more disciplined approach with guidance from his team.

10. Lighthearted Closing

Timestamp: [14:09] – [14:40]

• Playful talk about the perks of championship life (specifically better steak), with Van joking:
  • "I'm going to start having [steak for] breakfast, dinner."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Joshua Van (on title mindset):
  "When I become a champion." [05:28]

• On overcoming his first UFC loss:
  “That was the best thing that ever happened to me. So now I'm mentally preparing physically...I'm ready.” [06:08]

• On support system and humility:
  “That guy kept me on my…He always check on me...all the coaches, man, if I slack off, man, they get on my ass. So that's what kept me humble and kept me in the gym.” [07:31]

• Reflecting on adversity and growth:
  “I feel like I grew in the Chirus fight...That kind of showed me who I am as a fighter.” [09:49]

• Praising opponent Pantoja:
  “He’s one of the—in my eyes—he’s the greatest of all time in our division.” [10:34]

• Analyzing Pantoja’s opponents and revealing his strategy:
  “They’re giving him too much respect...I'm not going to make the same mistake.” [11:33]

• On representing his country and family:
  "...representing my country, Myanmar and...giving that belt to my mom would mean the world to me.” [13:09]

• On early-career financial woes:
  “I did the same with my first two UFC check. It lasted me a week or so.” [13:40]

• On the anticipation of Steak as a Champion:
  "I'm going to start having breakfast, dinner." [14:38]

Important Segments & Timestamps

• [05:29] – Joshua Van asserts his confidence about becoming champion
• [06:08] – Discussing the impact of his first career loss
• [07:31] – Van credits his coaches for keeping him grounded
• [08:27 – 09:49] – Breakdown of his signature victory and growth moments
• [10:14] – Insights on Alexandre Pantoja as an opponent and breaking down the matchup
• [12:26] – Differentiating his striking from other flyweights
• [13:09] – Emotional motivation—dreams of bringing the belt home for Myanmar and his family
• [13:40] – Admission about early financial pitfalls and learning discipline

Tone & Style

The conversation is candid, friendly, and full of mutual respect. The host teases Van with humor about his youth and appetite, while Van remains humble, determined, and honest, consistently attributing his progress to discipline and his support team. The mood is energizing—Van’s confidence and humility shine as he prepares for a historic title tilt.

For New Listeners

If you missed the episode, this conversation provides a revealing look into the mindset of a rapidly rising UFC star—detailing how Joshua Van overcame setbacks, maintains perspective despite success at a young age, and approaches the biggest test of his burgeoning career. The interplay between fighter and host offers perspective, levity, and deep insight into the makings of a potential champion.