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Van Dominant in UFC 331 Title Defense; Tsarukyan Likely Earns Title Shot

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UFC 331: Van vs. Pantoja 2

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect


Joshua Van is still the UFC flyweight champion of the world.

After 25 minutes of frenetic and dizzying mixed martial arts, Van defended his title over rival and former champ Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 331, using a crisp and intelligent boxing approach to sweep the judges’ scorecards: 49-46, 48-47, 50-45.

From the opening bell, both Van and Pantoja were off to the races, throwing punches and kicks with speed and power. For his part, Pantoja mixed in slick Jiu Jitsu to land takedowns and attempt submissions. Despite the efforts, and multiple full mounts, Pantoja’s advances proved futile, as Van routinely reversed position and implemented his heavy handed punches.

Named the UFC 331 Fight of the Night, the Van vs. Pantoja headliner is on the shortlist for the 2026 Fight of the Year, delivering both fireworks in the cage and $8.3-million dollars at the gate, a Crypto.com Arena record.

Arman Tsarukyan def. Mauricio Ruffy

In the evening’s co-main event, number-one lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan earned a Performance of the Night bonus for his knockout of opponent Mauricio Ruffy.

Fighting through some early turmoil, Tsarukyan ultimately found the clinch to stall and slow Ruffy. Maintaining position for the majority of the round, he attempted takedowns, draining Ruffy of his energy and advantages in the standup. With the first round nearing its end, Tsaruykan found his opening at 4:56, connecting on a pair of standing elbows that knocked Ruffy out clean.

The finish sent the sold-out crowd of 19,327 into hysterics. For his part, Tsarukyan jumped out of the cage in celebration. It is likely that a title shot is next for him.

Patricio “Pitbull” def. Doo-Ho Choi

In the evening’s featured bout, featherweight Patricio “Pitbull” Freire finally made good on his UFC run, earning his first knockout in the Octagon. Going 1-2 in his first three bouts with the UFC, “Pitbull” was near perfect with his striking, battering opponent Doo-Ho Choi with punches, connecting with ease and aplomb.

Needing just 3:38, “Pitbull” found the vintage form that made him a champion in multiple weight classes prior to joining the UFC. After the fight, he called out fifth-ranked Jean Silva for his next bout.

Sean Sharaf def. Gable Steveson

In a massive upset, heavyweight Sean Sharaf delivered the biggest knockout of the night, stunning former Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson, who entered the fight as a -2500 betting favorite. Needing just 12 seconds, Sharaf landed a clean left hook that rendered Steveson unconscious on the mat. The win is one of the largest upsets in UFC history.

For his efforts, Sharaf earned a $50,000 bonus courtesy of Paramount’s Mobland series. UFC promoter Dana White matched the amount, handing Sharaf $100,000 for the win.

“Chito” Vera def. Charles Jourdain

Topping off the undercard, former bantamweight challenger Marlon “Chito” Vera returned to the win column with an important career-reviving win.

Normally a slow starter, Vera came out hot, matching opponent Charles Jourdain strike-for-strike. Vera was the stronger and faster fighter in all facets of mixed martial arts, catching Jourdain’s kicks and tossing him to the mat.

Vera was sharp throughout the contest, landing strikes from every position. Ultimately, he earned the stoppage, albeit a strange one, with Jourdain waiving it off due to an injury.

Casey O’Neill def. Eduarda Moura

Earlier in the evening, twelfth-ranked flyweight Casey O’Neill delivered an exquisite, and perhaps never-before-seen armbar.

Losing the fight early on to opponent Eduarda Moura, O’Neill overcame a deep D’Arce choke, utilizing a slick Jiu Jitsu sweep and reverse position. In the process, O’Neill grabbed a hold of Moura’s arm, almost instantly forcing the tapout.

For her efforts, Casey O’Neill earned a Performance of the Night bonus.

With their record breaking Los Angeles fight card in the books, the UFC returns to Las Vegas next week, with Raul Rosas Jr. taking on Raoni Barcelos in a bantamweight headlining bout.

UFC 331 Results

  • Joshua Van def. Alexandre Pantoja via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 48-47, 50-45)
  • Arman Tsarukyan def Mauricio Ruffy via KO (elbows) R1, 4:56
  • Patricio Pitbull def Doo Ho-Choi via KO (punches) R1, 3:38
  • Sean Sharaf def. Gable Steveson via KO (punch) R1, 0:12
  • Alonzo Menefield def. Iwo Baraniewski via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Marlon “Chito” Vera def. Charles Jourdain via TKO (eye injury), R3, 2:02
  • Robelis Despaigne def. Tai Tuivasa via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
  • Michael Aswell Jr. def. Yoo Joo-sang via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Ryan Gandra def. Ozzy Diaz via KO (punches) R1, 2:04
  • Edmen Shabazyan def. Bruno Ferreira via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
  • Casey O’Neill def. Eduara Moura via Submission (armbar) R1, 3:22
  • Joanderson Brito def. Giga Chikadze via TKO (strikes) R1, 1:57

Dan Shapiro is a writer, editor, musician, and producer currently based in Los Angeles. In addition to covering some of the biggest fights in combat sports history, he’s also hunted down the world’s best sushi, skied the northern hemisphere in July, and chronicled Chinese underground music for publications like CNN, the New York Daily News, VICE, and Time Out. Dan also conjured up a ghost at the Chateau Marmont while out on assignment for RoadTrippers. Follow him on Twitter here.
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