The UFC returns to Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 19, with a flyweight championship rematch that could have major implications for the legacy of both fighters.
UFC 331: Van vs. Pantoja 2 takes place at Crypto.com Arena, where current UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van will face former champion Alexandre Pantoja in the main event. In the co-main event, No. 2-ranked lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan meets No. 10 Mauricio Ruffy with a potential title shot at stake.
The early prelims air at 5 p.m. ET on Paramount+ and UFC Fight Pass, followed by the prelims at 7 p.m. ET. The main card begins at 9 p.m. ET on Paramount+.
Van and Pantoja Run It Back
Van (17-2) has quickly emerged as one of the UFC’s top young fighters. The Houston-based flyweight has scored bonus-winning victories over Tatsuro Taira and Brandon Royval and now gets another opportunity to prove his first win over Pantoja was no fluke.
Pantoja (30-6) enters the rematch with a considerable résumé of his own. The Brazilian holds UFC flyweight records for wins (14), finishes (8) and submissions (6), with notable victories over Kai Kara-France, Kai Asakura and Royval.
For Pantoja, the mission is straightforward: reclaim the belt and strengthen his claim as one of the greatest flyweights in UFC history.
For Van, another victory would establish his reign as more than a passing moment. It would give the champion a second win over one of the division’s most accomplished fighters and further cement his position atop the 125-pound weight class.
Tsarukyan, Ruffy Collide at Lightweight
Tsarukyan (23-3) enters the co-main event riding a five-fight winning streak and looking to secure his place at the front of the lightweight title picture.
The Armenian has scored stoppages over Dan Hooker, Beneil Dariush and Joel Alvarez and has developed into one of the division’s most complete contenders.
Ruffy (14-2) presents a dangerous obstacle. The Brazilian has 13 knockout victories among his 14 wins and has already established himself as one of the UFC’s most explosive young lightweights. His résumé includes victories over Michael Chandler, Rafael Fiziev and King Green.
A win over Tsarukyan would be the biggest of Ruffy’s career and could immediately thrust him into the title conversation. Tsarukyan, meanwhile, needs another high-level victory to maintain his position near the top of a crowded 155-pound division.
Pitbull, Ortega, Vera Highlight Undercard
UFC 331 features plenty of veteran experience and emerging talent beyond its top two fights.
Former Bellator featherweight champion Patricio Pitbull makes his UFC debut against veteran Dooho Choi. Pitbull brings a 37-9 record and years of championship experience into the Octagon, while Choi has earned a reputation for memorable battles at featherweight.
At lightweight, No. 10-ranked Renato Moicano rematches Brian Ortega, while No. 14 light heavyweight contender Alonzo Menifield faces undefeated prospect Iwo Baraniewski.
Former Olympic wrestling champion Gable Steveson continues his MMA development against Sean Sharaf at heavyweight.
No. 10 bantamweight contender Marlon Vera meets Charles Jourdain in another matchup expected to deliver action, while Tai Tuivasa faces Robelis Despaigne in a heavyweight contest.
Middleweights Edmen Shahbazyan and Brunno Ferreira also meet, while Giga Chikadze takes on Joanderson Brito in an intriguing featherweight matchup.
The women’s flyweight division gets a ranked contest when No. 12 Casey O’Neill faces No. 13 Eduarda Moura.
The card also features Dana White’s Contender Series signee Ryan Gandra against Ozzy Diaz at middleweight and Michael Aswell Jr. versus Joosang Yoo at featherweight.
With a championship rematch headlining the card and contender fights throughout the lineup, UFC 331 offers plenty of stakes in Los Angeles.
The biggest question, however, remains at 125 pounds: Will Van prove he has Pantoja’s number, or will the former champion reclaim the throne?
UFC 331: Van vs. Pantoja 2 Bout Card
UFC flyweight championship: Joshua Van vs. Alexandre Pantoja
Lightweight bout: Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy
Featherweight bout: Patricio Pitbull vs. Dooho Choi
Lightweight bout: Renato Moicano vs. Brian Ortega
Light heavyweight bout: Alonzo Menifield vs. Iwo Baraniewski
Heavyweight bout: Gable Steveson vs. Sean Sharaf
Bantamweight bout: Marlon Vera vs. Charles Jourdain
Heavyweight bout: Tai Tuivasa vs. Robelis Despaigne
Middleweight bout: Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Brunno Ferreira
Featherweight bout: Giga Chikadze vs. Joanderson Brito
Flyweight bout: Casey O’Neill vs. Eduarda Moura
Middleweight bout: Ryan Gandra vs. Ozzy Diaz
Featherweight bout: Michael Aswell Jr. vs. Joosang Yoo