Sat Mar 08 08:20:00 UTC 2025: ## UFC Flyweight Showdown: Van Meets Undefeated Tsuruya at UFC 313

**Las Vegas, NV** – A last-minute change of opponent has added spice to the UFC 313: Pereira vs Ankalaev prelims this Saturday. Joshua Van, initially slated to face Bruno Silva, will now battle undefeated prospect Rei Tsuruya in a crucial flyweight matchup.

Silva’s withdrawal due to injury opened the door for Tsuruya, a Road to UFC tournament winner with an impressive 10-0 record. The 22-year-old grappler boasts a versatile skillset, including four knockouts and four submissions, and is known for his relentless ground control. His dominance in the RTU tournament, securing 12 takedowns across three fights, highlights his grappling prowess.

Van, 23, enters the fight with a 10-2 professional record (5-1 UFC) and two recent victories over Edgar Chairez and Cody Durden. His striking power is evident, having landed over 180 significant strikes in each of his last two bouts. However, this fight presents a stylistic clash: Van’s striking against Tsuruya’s grappling. The fight’s outcome will likely depend on which fighter can dictate the fight’s location – on the feet or on the mat.

This bout carries significant implications for both fighters. With the flyweight division experiencing considerable movement, including Manel Kape’s recent victory and Brandon Moreno’s upcoming title defense, both Van and Tsuruya see this as a vital opportunity to propel themselves into the Top 15 rankings. The winner will undoubtedly make a significant statement in the increasingly competitive flyweight landscape.

UFC 313: Pereira vs Ankalaev takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on March 8th, 2025. The prelims, featuring Van vs. Tsuruya, begin at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT on ESPN.

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