Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja don't like each other. They come from different backgrounds, have different temperaments and fight for different purposes. Los Angeles hosts their summit as they settle unanswered questions at UFC 331.
Back in December, Van became the second-youngest UFC champion by upsetting Pantoja. The ending was decisive, but inconclusive. Van caught Pantoja's kick approximately 30 seconds into the fight and shoved Pantoja back. Pantoja fell to the mat, suffering an inadvertent arm injury. Van marches around confidently as champion, especially after an impressive title defense against Tatsuro Taira. Pantoja feels disrespected by the young king and forgotten by the masses. There's still a question about who truly is the best flyweight alive. It should be answered on Saturday.
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UFC 331 has a high fun factor. Arman Tsarukyan is one of MMA's most popular names. He's taking a big gamble against knockout artist Mauricio Ruffy. Tsarukyan is convinced a title shot awaits him with a win this weekend, but he believes a loss will crush those ambitions forever.
"I want to stay active because there are many contenders now in my division," Tsarukyan told CBS Sports this week. "If I don't fight, they'll fight amongst themselves and become the No. 1 contender. I need to prove that I'm the best. I'm going to show that I'm the best this Saturday. I'm going to call out Justin Gaethje, and I hope he doesn't do something in his pants."
Elsewhere on the card, more fireworks are expected when featherweights Dooho Choi and Patricio Pitbull link up. Choi is riding a three-fight win streak with all three coming by TKO. Pitbull, meanwhile, is considered among the greatest fighters in Bellator MMA history after holding two divisional titles in his legendary career. Plus, Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson looks to take the next step in his MMA journey when he takes on fellow prospect Sean Sharaf. And a stoppage is likely in the main card opener when Iwo Baraniewski takes on Alonzo Menifield in a light heavyweight brawl.
Below is the complete fight card for UFC 331 along with the latest odds. Check back all week long for the latest news, features, and other content around this massive event.
UFC 331 fight card, odds
- Joshua Van (c) -135 vs. Alexandre Pantoja +114, flyweight title
- Arman Tsarukyan -340 vs. Mauricio Ruffy +270, lightweights
- Dooho Choi -278 vs. Patricio Pitbull +225, featherweights
- Gable Steveson -2100 vs. Sean Sharaf +1100, heavyweights
- Iwo Baraniewski -250 vs. Alonzo Menifield +205, Light heavyweights
- Charles Jourdain -218 vs. Marlon Vera +180, bantamweights
- Robelis Despaigne -700 vs. Tai Tuivasa +500, heavyweights
- Joosang Yoo -245 vs. Michael Aswell Jr. +200, featherweights
- Ryan Gandra -550 vs. Ozzy Diaz +410, middleweights
- Edmen Shahbazyan -180 vs. Brunno Ferreira +150, middleweights
- Casey O'Neill -225 vs. Eduarda Moura +185, women's flyweights
- Joanderson Brito -410 vs. Giga Chikadze +320, featherweights
Where to watch UFC 331
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
- Location: Crypto.com Arena -- Los Angeles
- Start time: 9 p.m. ET (Main card), 7 p.m. ET (Prelims), 5:30 p.m. ET (Early prelims)
- How to watch: Paramount+ (subscribe now for as low as $8.99 per month)
UFC 331 countdown
- Staff predictions and expert picks for each main card bout
- Campbell: Unusual bad blood between Van, Pantoja ahead of rematch
- Steveson willing to forego 2028 Olympics in pursuit of UFC title
- Brookhouse: Best bets to consider on the main card
- Mahjouri: Best undercard fights to watch in Los Angeles
- Campbell: Pantoja ready to right his wrong against Van
- Campbell: Five biggest storylines to follow
Who wins Van vs. Pantoja, and how exactly does the fight end? Visit SportsLine now to get detailed picks and analysis from the incomparable expert who is up over $21,000 on his UFC picks since May 2018, and find out.
