There is no doubt in Joshua Van Meurs’ mind, he is the best in the world.
While he knows it, the mixed martial arts fighter is determined to prove it. The Langford 17-year-old will head to Greece to compete in the International Pankration World titles in Sparta, Greece, Nov. 16 to 19.
In Greece, Van Meurs will compete in between four to nine bouts, depending on how many competitors are in the under 18, 170-pound weight class.
“I’ve been able to show how good I am and that I’ve beaten everyone I’ve fought,” said the young MMA fighter who is undefeated 11-0. “I have already prepared myself that I am the best youth fighter in the world. I am just going to go to Greece to prove it.”
Gearing up for the competition, Van Meurs is training five days a week, five hours a day.
He had his first MMA match when he was just 15.
“My long-term goal is to get into the UFC. I can tell UFC scouts have already seen me and noticed me,” he said. “I want to get on the Ultimate Fighter TV show and then win a UFC belt and hopefully still be undefeated.”
Fighting in MMA, Van Meurs has 10 years experience in judo and four years in Muay Thai kickboxing.
He was invited to the Greece competition after he won the North American title in April after competing in Las Vegas.