UFC Flyweight Champion Joshua Van Recieves Grand Felicitation in Mizoram

The Mizoram Mixed Martial Arts Association (MISMA) organized MISMA Fight Night was held on Saturday at R. Dengthuama Indoor Stadium, Mualpui. The event was graced by Lalduhoma, Chief Minister as the Chief Guest, while UFC Flyweight Champion Joshua Van attended the occasion as Special Guest.

In front of a crowd of nearly 7,000 fans in Aizawl, Joshua Van was presented with an Honorary IMMAF Black Belt Certification bestowed upon by Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, whose support has played a key role in the growth of combat sports in the state.

Joshua Van Bawi Thawng is a Burmese and American professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is the current UFC Flyweight Champion.

The Chief Minister, in his address, stated that honoring Joshua “The Fearless” Van, the first-ever UFC Champion from Southeast Asia, was a matter of great pride for the people of Mizoram. He emphasized that the Mizos, Chins, and Kukis belong to one ethnic family and that maintaining unity and brotherhood among them is of utmost importance. Joshua Van, he said, stands before the world as a representative of his people, and his achievements further strengthen the bonds and solidarity among these communities.

The Chief Minister praised Joshua Van’s remarkable accomplishments, highlighting his professional record of 17 victories, including 9 knockouts. He remarked that such achievements go beyond statistics and serve as an inspiration and challenge to young people. Referring to his own attainment of an Honorary 7th Dan Black Belt from the World Pro Taekwondo Headquarters Federation, Shri Lalduhoma stressed that reaching such heights requires self-discipline, perseverance, and strong mental fortitude. The Chief Minister also expressed his delight that he had received an Honorary Black Belt from Shariq Bapu, Senior Vice President of the Asian MMA Federation.

Lalduhoma further noted that Joshua Van’s success encourages Mizo youth to set higher goals and confidently face the challenges of the world. Expressing his gratitude to the UFC champion, he assured him that Mizoram would continue to support him in all his future endeavors.

Lalnghinglova Hmar, Minister of Sports and Youth Services, in his address informed the gathering that approval had been secured under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme – Other Than Roads Infrastructure (NESIDS-OTRI) of the Ministry of DoNER for the construction of a Centre of Excellence for Boxing and various contact sports in Mizoram, at a cost of ₹38 crore. He described the approval as a significant achievement for the state’s sports sector.

Joshua Van also addressed the gathering, and during the event, several local community organizations, including CRCM, Chin Community, Zofa Global, Zoro, the Muay Thai Association of Mizoram, and Assam MMA, presented tokens of appreciation and honors to the UFC Champion.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by B. Lalchhanzova, Minister of IPRP&S, Prof. Lalnilawma, Minister of RD&AD, Lalfamkima, Deputy Speaker, Lalmuanpuia Punte, MLA and Adviser to the Chief Minister, Lt. Col. Clement Lalhmingthanga, MLA (Honorary President, MISMA), and Smt. Baryl Vanneihsangi, MLA. A large number of leaders from the Central YMA, sports leaders, government officials, and representatives from the International MMA Federation were also present in the event. (DIPR Mizoram)