UFC 331 fight card features Van-Pantoja title rematch and Tsarukyan vs. Ruffy bout

UFC 331 is scheduled for Saturday in Los Angeles. The main event will have champion Joshua Van defending the flyweight title against Alexandre Pantoja, who lost the belt after an arm injury early in their first meeting. Van aims to solidify his status as the division’s leader, while Pantoja seeks to reclaim the championship.

The co-main event pairs lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan, returning after a long-term injury, with rising prospect Mauricio Ruffy. Tsarukyan, who was previously slated for a title fight, hopes a victory will earn him a shot at the lightweight crown.

Other notable matchups include featherweights Dooho Choi versus former Bellator champion Patricio Pitbull, heavyweight Olympic gold-medalist Gable Steveson against Sean Sharaf, and a light-heavyweight clash between Iwo Baraniewski and Alonzo Menifield.

Betting odds from DraftKings list Van as a -135 favorite over Pantoja at +114, Tsarukyan at -305 versus Ruffy at +245, and Steveson as a heavy favorite at -2100. Analysts from CBS Sports offered varied predictions, with most seeing Van’s youth and striking advantage against Pantoja’s experience, and Tsarukyan’s grappling edge over Ruffy’s striking.

"Van showed incredible fighting spirit in his first title defense and has the wrestling and grappling to avoid danger," said one analyst.

"Tsarukyan’s top-position pressure should tire Ruffy and set up a finish," noted another.

The event will be available on Paramount+ as part of the regular subscription service.