Undefeated Prospects Joshua Van and Rei Tsuruya Clash at UFC 313

Las Vegas, NV – This Saturday at UFC 313, two of the most promising flyweight fighters, Joshua Van and Rei Tsuruya, will meet in a pivotal preliminary bout aimed at making their mark in the rankings.

Originally slated to face No. 12 ranked Bruno Silva, Van’s plans shifted when Silva withdrew due to injury. Stepping in to face the Myanmar native is Tsuruya, who enters the octagon undefeated at 10-0, carrying the same desire to break into the Top 15. The event is set for March 8, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena.

Joshua Van, 23, boasts an impressive 5-1 record in the UFC and 12-2 overall, including six knockouts and two submissions. After suffering a loss to No. 15 Charles Johnson last summer, he bounced back with consecutive wins against Edgar Chairez at UFC 306 and Cody Durden. In his last fight, Van dominated, outlanding Durden with 184 total strikes over 15 minutes, showcasing his striking skill.

“I’m feeling great, ready to put on a show and climb the rankings,” Van stated. “Feeling fresh and confident after my last performances.”

Conversely, Rei Tsuruya, a 22-year-old who previously triumphed in the Road to UFC tournament, has established himself as a formidable grappler. His victory over Carlos Hernandez solidified his confidence after winning the tournament with consistent performances and significant ground control time.

“I’ve been preparing well and I know Joshua is a tough opponent,” Tsuruya said through translator Takahiro Araki. “I’m focused on my game plan, ready to perform.”

While Tsuruya carries an undefeated record, he is aware of the challenges posed by Van’s striking capability. Their styles set up a classic striker versus grappler matchup, where the fight’s location may determine the victor.

In terms of striking statistics, Van averages 8.88 significant strikes landed per minute with a 54% accuracy rate, while Tsuruya, landing 2.28 per minute, has a striking accuracy of 60%. Defensively, Van absorbs 5.82 strikes per minute, while Tsuruya notably only allows 1.31 strikes.

Analysts and fans are eager to see how this matchup unfolds, especially considering the current volatility within the flyweight rankings. Recent bouts hint at possible shifts in ranking, such as Manel Kape’s latest victory putting pressure on contenders.

“This fight is a great opportunity,” Van added. “I want to prove that I belong in the discussion of title contenders.”

As the preliminaries kick off at the T-Mobile Arena, all eyes will be on this intriguing battle. Both fighters seem poised to not just compete but to make a significant statement in their careers.

The prelims begin at 8 p.m. ET, followed by the main card at 10 p.m. ET, promising an exciting night of mixed martial arts action for fans gathering either inside the arena or at home.