Intriguing Fights Headline UFC 331 in Los Angeles

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 06: Alexandre Pantoja of Brazil (R) kicks Joshua Van of Myanmar during a flyweight title fight at T-Mobile Arena on December 06, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)

On September 19, the UFC returns to the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, with an exciting event. In the main event of UFC 331, champion Joshua Van will defend his belt in a rematch against former champion Alexandre Pantoja.

Additionally, a crucial matchup in the co-main event features Arman Tsarukyan and promising Mauricio Ruffy in a five-round contest. The winner is likely to earn a title shot against the current lightweight champion, Justin Gaethje.

A New Opportunity

For Joshua Van, facing Alexandre Pantoja marks the second defense of his flyweight title. The fighter from Myanmar captured the title last year by defeating Pantoja via TKO after Pantoja suffered an early injury. Although the rematch was initially intended to happen soon after, Pantoja required more time to recover. Consequently, Van faced Tatsuro Taira earlier this year for his first title defense, winning impressively via TKO in the fifth round. Now, the much-anticipated rematch with Pantoja is set.

Pantoja became champion in 2023 after triumphing over Brandon Moreno in one of the year’s standout fights. He defended his title four times, securing finishes against Kai Asakura and Kai Kara-France. Leading into his fifth title defense against the young challenger Van, he was seen as the favorite. Unfortunately, a hand injury hindered him early in their previous fight. Now, eager for redemption, Pantoja looks to reclaim his position following the loss that ended an impressive eight-fight winning streak.

Big Stakes At Lightweight

Initially, the UFC intended for a rematch between Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira. However, Oliveira’s personal reasons led to Mauricio Ruffy stepping in. Tsarukyan has long been a leading contender in the division, having withdrawn from a title fight last year due to a back injury. This decision displeased the UFC, particularly President Dana White, who delayed discussions about future title opportunities for Tsarukyan for an extended period.

Later in the year, Tsarukyan was called up for a title clash between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira and fought only once more against Dan Hooker in Qatar, winning via arm-triangle choke submission in the second round. He now faces Mauricio Ruffy; a victory is essential for Tsarukyan to secure a new title shot in the lightweight division.

For Ruffy, this represents an incredible opportunity. The fan-favorite entered the UFC in 2023 after an impressive performance on the Contender Series. He swiftly became a sensation by defeating Jamie Mullarkey and King Green, showcasing one of the year’s finest knockouts. However, his ascent was halted by Benoît Saint Denis, who managed to outgrapple and submit him.

Following that setback, Ruffy made a strong comeback this year, claiming two victories in the UFC. He knocked out Rafael Fiziev in the second round and recently stopped Michael Chandler in the first round during a White House event. With renewed momentum and high expectations surrounding him, Ruffy now faces one of the division’s top contenders, Tsarukyan. A win could secure him a title shot.