LAS VEGAS — September 14, 2024 — Long before becoming UFC Flyweight Champion, Joshua “The Fearless” Van delivered one of the most technically disciplined performances of his early UFC career at UFC 306: Riyadh Season Noche UFC, held inside the revolutionary $2.3 billion Sphere in Las Vegas.
Competing on one of the most visually ambitious events in combat sports history, Van defeated dangerous Mexican striker Édgar Cháirez via unanimous decision in a high-paced catchweight bout that highlighted the Myanmar-born fighter’s composure, adaptability, and elite striking fundamentals.
Overcoming the Odds on Short Notice
Van accepted the fight on only a few weeks’ notice after Cháirez’s original opponent withdrew from the event. The bout was moved to a 131-pound catchweight, creating additional physical challenges for the rising contender.
Despite facing a 4.5-inch reach disadvantage against the taller Mexican striker, Van consistently closed distance using relentless forward pressure, sharp footwork, and disciplined head movement to slip inside Cháirez’s jab.
Body Attacks Changed the Fight
One of the key turning points in the contest was Van’s systematic attack to the body. Over the course of three rounds, he landed an astonishing 41 body strikes, steadily draining Cháirez’s energy and reducing the Mexican fighter’s offensive output as the fight progressed.
By the final round, Van had fully taken control of the pace and striking exchanges, cruising to a unanimous decision victory with all three judges scoring the fight 29-28 in his favor.
Official UFC 306 Fight Statistics
| Metric | Joshua Van | Édgar Cháirez |
|---|---|---|
| Significant Strikes Landed | 89 / 185 (48%) | 61 / 159 (38%) |
| Total Strikes Landed | 126 / 228 (55%) | 68 / 167 (40%) |
| Strikes to the Body | 41 | 10 |
| Takedowns | 1 / 1 (100%) | 0 / 2 (0%) |
| Control Time | 2:44 | 0:00 |
Historic Night Inside the Sphere
The event itself became a landmark moment in combat sports history, as UFC 306 marked the first live sporting event ever held inside the Sphere, the futuristic entertainment venue featuring a massive 160,000-square-foot wraparound LED display system.
Van’s composed performance under the global spotlight significantly elevated his profile and demonstrated his ability to perform on the sport’s biggest stages.
Important Career Rebound
The victory also served as a critical rebound moment for Van after suffering the first loss of his UFC career against Tatsuro Taira just months earlier in July 2024.
Analysts widely viewed the performance as proof of Van’s mental toughness and rapid technical development, setting the stage for his eventual rise toward UFC championship contention.