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UFC 306 Picks - Riyadh Season Noche UFC Fight Preview: Edgar Chairez vs Joshua Van Prediction

The UFC 306: Riyadh Season Noche UFC event promises to be an action-packed night of fights, and the flyweight matchup between Edgar Chairez and Joshua Van is one of the key preliminary bouts that could set the tone for the evening. This fight pits Mexico’s Edgar Chairez, a well-rounded and gritty fighter, against the rising American prospect, Joshua Van. With both fighters eager to climb the ranks in the competitive flyweight division, this bout is expected to deliver fireworks.

 

Betting Odds

Fighter	Odds	Over/Under	Over Odds	Under Odds
Edgar Chairez	+190	2.5 Rounds	-200	+160
Joshua Van	-235	2.5 Rounds	-200	+160

Fighter Backgrounds

Edgar Chairez

Edgar Chairez, hailing from Mexico, has steadily built a reputation as a tough and durable fighter in the flyweight division. Born on August 10, 1994, Cháirez, at 30 years old, has a professional MMA record of 11-5-0. Standing at 5'7" with a reach of 68 inches, Cháirez is known for his aggressive style and willingness to engage in both striking and grappling exchanges.

Cháirez’s journey to the UFC has been one of persistence and resilience. He made his promotional debut in July 2023 at UFC 290 against Tatsuro Taira, a highly regarded prospect. Although Cháirez lost the fight via unanimous decision, he showed incredible toughness and heart, surviving several submission attempts and giving Taira a tougher challenge than many expected. Prior to joining the UFC, Cháirez had notable success on the regional scene, including a five-fight winning streak where he showcased his submission skills, particularly his ability to lock in guillotine chokes and rear-naked chokes.

Training out of Entram Gym, one of the top MMA camps in Mexico, Cháirez has continued to refine his skills, particularly focusing on improving his striking and wrestling defense. He has demonstrated a knack for finding finishes, with seven of his eleven victories coming by way of submission. As he steps into the Octagon at UFC 306, Cháirez is looking to secure his first UFC win and prove that he belongs among the elite in the flyweight division.

Joshua Van

Joshua Van is a promising young fighter from the United States who has quickly made a name for himself in the flyweight division. Born on November 15, 2001, Van is just 22 years old and already boasts a professional record of 10-2-0. Standing at 5'5" with a reach of 66 inches, Van is slightly smaller than Cháirez, but what he lacks in size, he makes up for in speed, athleticism, and technique.

Van made his UFC debut in June 2023 at UFC on ESPN 47, where he faced Zhalgas Zhumagulov, a seasoned veteran. In a closely contested bout, Van emerged victorious by split decision, showcasing his striking prowess and composure under pressure. Before joining the UFC, Van competed in various regional promotions, where he displayed a well-rounded skill set, including strong wrestling, sharp striking, and a solid submission game.

Training out of Revolution Dojo in Houston, Texas, Van has been working to round out his game and prepare for the challenges of the UFC’s flyweight division. He is known for his fast hands, precise striking, and ability to mix up his attacks, making him a difficult opponent to prepare for. With a UFC win already under his belt, Van enters this fight with momentum and a desire to continue his ascent in the division.

Fighting Styles and Strengths

Edgar Chairez

Edgar Chairez is a well-rounded fighter with a slight edge in grappling, particularly in submission skills. His background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is evident in his approach to fights, as he is always looking for opportunities to take the fight to the ground and secure a submission. Cháirez’s favorite submissions include the guillotine choke and rear-naked choke, both of which he has used to finish multiple opponents in his career.

In addition to his grappling, Cháirez is a gritty striker who is not afraid to engage in exchanges. While his striking may not be as polished as some of his peers, his toughness and ability to absorb damage allow him to stay in fights and wear down his opponents. Cháirez’s striking is characterized by looping punches and a willingness to trade shots in the pocket. His durability is one of his greatest assets, as he has shown the ability to withstand significant punishment and keep moving forward.

Cháirez’s key to victory in this fight will be his ability to close the distance and initiate grappling exchanges. If he can drag Van into a ground battle, Cháirez has a strong chance of finding a submission or controlling the fight from top position. His experience and toughness make him a dangerous opponent, particularly if the fight goes into the later rounds where his cardio and resilience could play a crucial role.

Joshua Van

Joshua Van is a dynamic and versatile fighter with a well-rounded skill set. His striking is his most dangerous weapon, as he combines speed, precision, and power to overwhelm his opponents. Van’s striking is characterized by quick combinations, sharp counters, and the ability to mix in leg kicks and body shots effectively. He is also adept at using his footwork to create angles and avoid damage, making him difficult to hit cleanly.

Van’s grappling is also a significant part of his game. He has a solid wrestling base, which he uses both offensively to secure takedowns and defensively to keep the fight standing. On the ground, Van has shown competency in submission defense and the ability to scramble back to his feet when taken down. His ability to dictate where the fight takes place is one of his biggest strengths, as it allows him to play to his advantages and avoid his opponents’ strengths.

For Van, the key to victory in this fight will be to keep the fight standing and use his speed and striking to pick Cháirez apart. If Van can avoid being taken down and forced into grappling exchanges, he has the tools to outstrike Cháirez and potentially secure a knockout or decision victory. Van’s ability to control the pace and dictate the terms of the fight will be crucial in this matchup.

Recent Performances and Matchup Analysis

Edgar Chairez

Edgar Chairez’s recent performances have shown both his strengths and areas where he needs improvement. In his UFC debut against Tatsuro Taira, Cháirez was outclassed by a more technically proficient grappler, losing a unanimous decision. However, Cháirez showed incredible heart, surviving several dangerous positions and refusing to be finished despite Taira’s relentless attacks. This performance, while a loss, highlighted Cháirez’s durability and resilience, traits that could serve him well in this fight.

Prior to his UFC debut, Cháirez was on a five-fight winning streak, including victories over tough regional opponents where he showcased his submission skills. His ability to find finishes, particularly by submission, makes him a constant threat in any fight. However, his striking defense and tendency to get drawn into brawls are areas where he has struggled, and these could be potential vulnerabilities against a sharp striker like Van.

Joshua Van

Joshua Van’s UFC debut against Zhalgas Zhumagulov was a significant test, and Van passed with flying colors. In a closely contested bout, Van displayed his striking skills, landing clean shots and outpointing Zhumagulov on the feet. Van’s composure in a high-pressure situation was impressive, especially for a fighter as young as he is. This victory demonstrated that Van is not just a prospect, but a legitimate threat in the flyweight division.

Before his UFC debut, Van was dominating the regional circuit, racking up wins with a mix of striking and grappling. His ability to adapt and find ways to win, whether through striking or grappling, is a testament to his versatility as a fighter. However, Van has yet to face a grappler as dangerous as Cháirez, and how he handles the Mexican’s submission attempts will be a key factor in this fight.

Matchup Analysis

This fight between Edgar Chairez and Joshua Van presents a classic striker vs. grappler matchup, with both fighters bringing unique strengths to the table. Cháirez will likely try to close the distance and take the fight to the ground, where he can use his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to hunt for submissions. Van, on the other hand, will aim to keep the fight standing, using his speed, footwork, and striking to outpoint or finish Cháirez.

The key to this fight will be who can impose their game plan more effectively. If Cháirez can get Van to the ground and control the fight, he has a strong chance of securing a submission or winning by decision. However, if Van can use his takedown defense and striking to keep the fight standing, he has the edge in terms of speed and technical striking, which could lead to a knockout or decision victory.

Cháirez’s durability and grappling make him a dangerous opponent, but Van’s striking and composure give him a slight advantage. The longer the fight stays standing, the more it favors Van. However, if Cháirez can drag Van into deep waters and make it a grappling-heavy contest, his chances of victory increase significantly.

Potential Implications for the Division

A win for Edgar Chairez would be a huge step forward in his UFC career. Securing his first victory in the promotion would validate his status as a legitimate flyweight contender and could lead to matchups with higher-ranked opponents. A strong performance, particularly a finish, would put Cháirez on the radar as a dangerous grappler in the division.

For Joshua Van, another win would continue his momentum and establish him as one of the most promising young fighters in the flyweight division. A victory over a tough opponent like Cháirez would show that Van is ready for the next level of competition and could lead to opportunities against ranked fighters. Given the depth of talent in the flyweight division, a win here could position Van for a rapid rise up the ranks.

This fight also has implications for the future of the flyweight division. Both Cháirez and Van represent the next generation of fighters who are looking to make their mark in one of the UFC’s most competitive divisions. A win for either fighter could signal the arrival of a new contender and add another exciting name to the division’s roster.

Psychological Aspects

Mental fortitude will play a significant role in this fight. Edgar Chairez enters the bout with the pressure of securing his first UFC win, but his experience and resilience in tough situations could give him an edge. Cháirez has been through wars in the cage and knows how to persevere through adversity, which could be crucial if the fight becomes a grueling contest.

Joshua Van, despite his youth, has shown remarkable composure in high-pressure situations. His ability to stay calm and execute his game plan under duress was evident in his UFC debut, and he will need to bring that same mental toughness into this fight. Van’s confidence is growing with each victory, and if he can maintain his focus and avoid getting drawn into Cháirez’s game, he has the tools to succeed.

The psychological battle will be about who can impose their will and stick to their strengths. Cháirez will need to stay patient and look for openings to take the fight to the ground, while Van will need to keep the fight standing and avoid being dragged into a grappling match. The fighter who can execute their game plan under the bright lights of UFC 306 is likely to emerge victorious.

Prediction