Joshua Van's commanding position in this market reflects his recent consolidation of the UFC flyweight division. After claiming the title in December 2025 via an injury stoppage against Alexandre Pantoja, Van removed any doubts about his legitimacy with a unanimous decision victory in their September 2026 rematch at UFC 331, following an earlier successful defense against Tatsuro Taira in May. At 24 years old, Van has demonstrated elite striking and defensive grappling while extending a nine-fight win streak. With roughly ten weeks remaining until year-end and no scheduled title bout before then, traders view an interruption to his reign as unlikely. The primary scenario that could shift odds would be an expedited challenge from top contender Manel Kape, whose four-fight win streak and expressed confidence in a stylistic advantage represent the most credible threat to Van's dominance.