UFC 316: Bruno Silva vs Joshua Van Set for Flyweight Scrap in Newark

The UFC has added another explosive matchup to its upcoming UFC 316 event, scheduled for June 7th at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. In a clash of flyweight contenders, Brazil’s Bruno “Bulldog” Silva is set to face off against the rising star Joshua “The Fearless” Van in what promises to be an action-packed affair.

🚨🚨#UFC316🚨🚨

Bruno Silva takes on Joshua Van at #UFC316 on June 7th. Card expected to be in Newark, New Jersey. pic.twitter.com/9fTEuAkT0a

— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) March 26, 2025

Silva, currently ranked #12 in the UFC flyweight rankings, brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for finishing fights. The 35-year-old Brazilian has been on a tear since joining the UFC, earning multiple Performance of the Night bonuses and showcasing his devastating knockout power. With 14 wins to his name, including 6 by knockout and 4 by submission, Silva has proven to be a well-rounded threat in the 125-pound division.

On the other side of the Octagon, Joshua Van has been making waves since his UFC debut in 2023. At just 23 years old, the Burmese-American fighter has already climbed to the #14 spot in the flyweight rankings. Van’s journey to the UFC is a testament to his perseverance, having moved from Myanmar to Malaysia and eventually settling in Houston, Texas. With a professional record of 13 wins and 2 losses, Van has shown remarkable striking prowess, holding the record for the highest significant strikes landed per minute in UFC history at an astounding 8.10.

This matchup is particularly intriguing as it was originally scheduled for UFC 313 on March 8th, 2025. However, Silva had to withdraw due to undisclosed reasons, and Van went on to face and defeat Rei Tsuruya by unanimous decision. Now, with both fighters eager to climb the rankings, this rescheduled bout at UFC 316 has all the ingredients for a potential Fight of the Night.

The stylistic clash between Silva’s power-punching and Van’s volume striking could lead to fireworks inside the Octagon. Silva’s experience and finishing ability will be put to the test against Van’s youth, speed, and technical proficiency. Both fighters have shown the ability to go the distance, but their aggressive styles suggest that fans might be in for an early finish.

UFC 316 is shaping up to be a stellar card, with this flyweight battle adding to the excitement. The event is expected to feature a UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship bout between two-time champion Julianna Peña and Olympic gold medalist Kayla Harrison, as well as a UFC Flyweight Championship fight pitting Alexandre Pantoja against Kai Kara-France.

For Silva, this fight represents an opportunity to bounce back from his recent loss to Manel Kape and reassert himself as a top contender in the division. Van, on the other hand, will be looking to extend his winning streak and potentially break into the top 10 rankings with a victory over a seasoned veteran.

As the MMA world eagerly anticipates this clash of flyweight titans, one thing is certain: when Bruno Silva and Joshua Van step into the Octagon on June 7th, fans can expect nothing less than an all-out war. With both fighters known for their high-octane performances and finishing instincts, this bout has all the makings of a classic that could steal the show at UFC 316.

The addition of Silva vs Van to the UFC 316 card further solidifies the event as a must-watch for MMA enthusiasts. As the countdown to June 7th begins, all eyes will be on Newark, New Jersey, where these two flyweight phenoms will look to make their mark and take a significant step towards title contention in one of the UFC’s most dynamic divisions.