Rodriguez Calls Out Van After UFC 332

Undefeated flyweight Imanol Rodriguez has called out champion Joshua Van ahead of his UFC 332 prelim bout against Van's teammate Alden Coria.

Rodriguez told Sherdog in a pre-fight interview that he plans to target a ranked opponent if he beats Coria on Saturday at Delta Center in Salt Lake City. The 7-0 Dana White's Contender Series graduate wants a December return and expects Van to be cornering Coria. "I think Joshua Van will be in the corner of Alden Coria, so I think he's going to see that if we cross paths, he's going to have a tough fighter ahead of him," Rodriguez said. "First, I'll go for his friend and then I'll go for him."

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Rodriguez Targets Top-15 Finish To 2026

The 26-year-old finished all seven of his pro wins — six knockouts, one submission — and wants a clean performance at UFC 332 that would allow a two-month turnaround. He told Sherdog he aims to crack the top 15 at 125 pounds by year's end. Coria carries a seven-fight unbeaten run and has won all three of his UFC appearances.

Rodriguez made clear he views Coria as a stepping stone rather than a career-defining test. The bout takes place on the prelims of UFC 332, which airs Saturday night.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Imanol Rodriguez eyes Joshua Van: ‘First, I'll go for his friend’