Crypto.com UFC 331: Van vs. Pantoja 2 lands Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The flyweight championship rematch headlines a 12-fight card that also features Arman Tsarukyan vs Mauricio Ruffy, Patricio Pitbull vs Dooho Choi, and Gable Steveson’s main-card elevation. Below: event times in ET, Paramount+ how-to-watch, current moneylines, and process-focused keys for every bout — plus Cappers Direct UFC 331 packages at the top.
Cappers Direct UFC 331 Packages — Get the Card Covered
Looking for more than a free preview? Cappers Direct has dedicated UFC 331 packages for Van vs. Pantoja 2 this Saturday. These are paid products for members who want full write-ups and guaranteed Max picks — this blog preview does not include free picks or projected winners.
- The fight card and all write ups — $29.99: full-card coverage with detailed write-ups for UFC 331.
- The UFC guaranteed Max fight pick — $25: Cappers Direct’s guaranteed Max fight pick for this card.
- The UFC guaranteed Max fight pick parlay — $25: guaranteed Max fight pick parlay package for UFC 331.
Sign up for Cappers Direct UFC packages here — create your account and unlock UFC 331 products at https://www.cappersdirect.com/account/signup/UFC/.
Packages are built for this fight week. Grab what you need before the early prelims open Saturday afternoon.
UFC 331 Van vs Pantoja 2: Event Info, How to Watch & Odds Disclaimer
UFC 331 is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026. Early prelims are listed at 5:30 PM ET / 2:30 PM PT, prelims at 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT, and the main card at 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT. The venue is Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. U.S. early prelims, prelims, and main card stream on Paramount+ (early prelims also listed on UFC Fight Pass in how-to-watch copy).
Moneylines below are primarily from the UFC.com event page, cross-checked with an OddsTrader fight-week snapshot (~September 15–16, 2026). Two bouts (Aswell vs Yoo; Shahbazyan vs Ferreira) were blank on UFC.com at research time and use OddsTrader numbers. Lines move — always verify live prices with your sportsbook before wagering. This article is informational only and does not project winners or include betting recommendations.
Notable card change: on September 14, 2026, Brian Ortega withdrew (injury) and Renato Moicano vs. Brian Ortega was removed. Moicano was rebooked to headline a Fight Night on October 31 vs. Tom Nolan. No lightweight replacement was added; Gable Steveson vs. Sean Sharaf was elevated onto the main card. The remaining official card is 12 fights.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | Crypto.com UFC 331: Van vs. Pantoja 2 |
| Date | Saturday, September 19, 2026 |
| Early prelims | 5:30 PM ET / 2:30 PM PT |
| Prelims | 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT |
| Main card | 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT |
| Venue | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Broadcast | Paramount+ (early prelims, prelims, main card); early prelims also UFC Fight Pass |
| Odds snapshot | UFC.com + OddsTrader (Sep 15–16, 2026); lines move |
UFC 331 Main Card Fight-by-Fight Preview
The main card opens in light heavyweight and builds to a five-round flyweight championship rematch. Each bout below includes records, weight class, current moneylines from the Sep 15–16 snapshot, and process-focused keys for both fighters — no free picks or projected winners.
Joshua Van vs Alexandre Pantoja — Main Event — UFC Flyweight Championship (5 rounds)
| Fighter | Record | ML (UFC.com / OddsTrader Sep 15–16) |
|---|---|---|
| Joshua Van | 17-2-0 | −130 |
| Alexandre Pantoja | 30-6-0 | +110 |
Weight class: Flyweight Championship (5 rounds). Odds source: UFC.com event page (live listing as of research). Lines move.
Joshua Van (c) (17-2-0) claimed the flyweight belt in the first meeting when UFC 323 ended in 26 seconds via Pantoja arm injury, then defended with a Round 5 TKO of Tatsuro Taira at UFC 328. At 24, Van brings high-volume pace, body work, and combinations into the rematch.
Alexandre Pantoja (30-6-0), the former champion at 36, previously stacked four title defenses including submissions of Asakura and Kara-France. Elite back-takes and scrambles frame the style clash against Van’s volume striking; reach edges toward Pantoja (~170 cm vs ~165 cm).
Keys for Joshua Van: Sustain high-volume pace with body work and combinations across five rounds, and keep the fight in striking exchanges where his recent championship pace can accumulate.
Manage entries carefully against an elite scrambler — deny prolonged back-takes and force Pantoja to reset rather than chain grappling sequences.
Keys for Alexandre Pantoja: Close distance behind reach and pressure, hunt level changes into back-takes and scramble chains that defined prior title defenses.
Weather early volume, then convert clinch and mat work into control minutes — especially if the rematch settles past the first exchange.
Arman Tsarukyan vs Mauricio Ruffy — Co-Main Event — Lightweight (5 rounds, non-title)
| Fighter | Record | ML (UFC.com / OddsTrader Sep 15–16) |
|---|---|---|
| Arman Tsarukyan | 23-3-0 | −305 |
| Mauricio Ruffy | 14-2-0 | +240 |
Weight class: Lightweight (5 rounds). Odds source: UFC.com event page. Lines move.
Arman Tsarukyan (23-3-0) rides a five-fight win streak that includes a Round 2 submission of Hooker (Nov 2025) and a prior split decision over Oliveira at UFC 300. Elite wrestling/scrambles and improving power striking keep title-contender implications on the table.
Mauricio Ruffy (14-2-0) arrives off TKOs of Fiziev (Feb 2026) and Chandler (UFC Freedom 250, Jun 2026). Dynamic striking and training with Volkanovski in Australia pair with height/reach advantages (~180/190 cm vs ~170/184 cm) into a five-round lightweight co-main.
Keys for Arman Tsarukyan: Chain wrestling entries and scramble control across five rounds, mixing level changes so Ruffy’s takedown defense is tested repeatedly.
Layer improving power striking off wrestling setups without overcommitting into Ruffy’s dynamic counters.
Keys for Mauricio Ruffy: Prioritize takedown defense and stay upright where dynamic striking and length can work, especially early before wrestling volume stacks.
Use height/reach to keep range, force stand-up exchanges, and make Tsarukyan pay for entries over a five-round frame.
Patricio Pitbull vs Dooho Choi — Featherweight Bout
| Fighter | Record | ML (UFC.com / OddsTrader Sep 15–16) |
|---|---|---|
| Patricio Pitbull | 37-9-0 | +220 |
| Dooho Choi | 17-4-1 | −270 |
Weight class: Featherweight (3 rounds). Odds source: UFC.com event page. Lines move.
Patricio Pitbull (37-9-0), the former Bellator featherweight champion now 39, holds a 1-2 UFC mark (unanimous-decision loss to Pico in Apr 2026; win over Ige; loss to Yair). Counter-striking, low kicks, and deep experience define the veteran side.
Dooho Choi (17-4-1) is on a three-fight win streak with TKOs of Santos, Landwehr, and Algeo. Accurate boxing plus recent patience and defense set up expected striking exchanges with finish potential both ways.
Keys for Patricio Pitbull: Rely on counter-striking, low kicks, and veteran timing rather than forcing a pure firefight, and look for openings after Choi’s entries.
Manage pace through three rounds so experience and defensive reads matter more than early exchanges alone.
Keys for Dooho Choi: Carry recent finishing form with accurate boxing while keeping the improved patience and defense that marked his three-fight streak.
Dictate striking exchanges without overextending into Pitbull counters — volume and cleanliness over raw slugfest chaos.
Gable Steveson vs Sean Sharaf — Heavyweight Bout
| Fighter | Record | ML (UFC.com / OddsTrader Sep 15–16) |
|---|---|---|
| Gable Steveson | 4-0-0 | −1600 |
| Sean Sharaf | 4-2-0 | +900 |
Weight class: Heavyweight (3 rounds). Odds source: UFC.com event page. Lines move.
Gable Steveson (4-0-0), Olympic freestyle gold wrestler, opened his UFC run with a TKO of Ellison (Jul 2026) after prior pro finishes. Elite athleticism and wrestling remain the base while he continues learning pace control when hit. This bout was elevated to the main card after the Moicano–Ortega cancellation.
Sean Sharaf (4-2-0), Santa Ana / Marine Corps veteran, is 0-2 in the UFC (losses to Tafa and Asplund) after early regional first-round finishes. A local Crypto.com Arena opportunity with power threat if the fight stays standing early.
Keys for Gable Steveson: Convert Olympic freestyle wrestling and athleticism into control and finishing sequences, while staying composed if early power shots land.
Manage pace when pressured rather than racing — keep wrestling chains clean and avoid extended pocket trades.
Keys for Sean Sharaf: Make the local main-card opportunity count by keeping the fight standing early and hunting power moments before wrestling control sets in.
Force uncomfortable exchanges off the fence and look for openings if Steveson’s learning curve shows under fire.
Alonzo Menifield vs Iwo Baraniewski — Light Heavyweight Bout
| Fighter | Record | ML (UFC.com / OddsTrader Sep 15–16) |
|---|---|---|
| Alonzo Menifield | 18-6-1 | +200 |
| Iwo Baraniewski | 9-0-0 | −245 |
Weight class: Light Heavyweight (3 rounds). Odds source: UFC.com event page. Lines move.
Alonzo Menifield (18-6-1) is a veteran power puncher coming off a TKO of Zhang Mingyang (May 2026) and sitting 3-1 in his last four. Reach edges his way (~193 vs ~187 cm).
Iwo Baraniewski (9-0-0), undefeated DWCS graduate, owns three UFC first-round TKOs (Aslan, Lane, Tafa) in a combined ~3:22 and has not seen round two. Prospect finishing speed versus veteran durability frames the light heavyweight matchup.
Keys for Alonzo Menifield: Use veteran power and durability to weather early finishing bursts, then turn the fight into longer exchanges where experience matters.
Leverage reach to keep distance, land clean power shots, and avoid being rushed into a first-round scramble against a prospect who has not seen round two.
Keys for Iwo Baraniewski: Carry undefeated DWCS finishing speed into early pressure — the pattern of first-round TKOs frames how this bout is expected to open.
Close distance cleanly, hunt stoppage windows before Menifield settles, and stay disciplined if the fight extends past familiar territory.
UFC 331 Prelims Fight-by-Fight Preview
Prelims are scheduled for 7:00 PM ET on Paramount+. Four bouts are listed from bantamweight through middleweight. Order follows the research card toward the main-card bridge.
Marlon Vera vs Charles Jourdain — Bantamweight Bout
| Fighter | Record | ML (UFC.com / OddsTrader Sep 15–16) |
|---|---|---|
| Marlon Vera | 23-12-1 | +185 |
| Charles Jourdain | 18-8-1 | −225 |
Weight class: Bantamweight (3 rounds). Odds source: UFC.com event page. Lines move.
Marlon “Chito” Vera (23-12-1) is on an extended skid (last win roughly three years ago vs. Pedro Munhoz), with recent losses including Martinez, Zahabi, and Figueiredo. Dangerous kicks, elbows, and submissions remain, often paired with slow starts.
Charles Jourdain (18-8-1) is 3-0 since dropping to 135 (submissions of Henry and Grant; UD over Phillips). Creative striking, movement, and opportunistic submissions set volume/pace against Vera’s late finishing threat.
Keys for Marlon Vera: Survive early minutes where starts have often been slow, then layer dangerous kicks, elbows, and submission threats as the fight deepens.
Force clinch and late finishing sequences rather than a pure pace war from the opening bell.
Keys for Charles Jourdain: Sustain volume, movement, and creative striking that have defined the 135 run, and keep opportunistic submission windows available.
Dictate pace early so Vera cannot settle into late finishing sequences — activity and range management over three rounds.
Tai Tuivasa vs Robelis Despaigne — Heavyweight Bout
| Fighter | Record | ML (UFC.com / OddsTrader Sep 15–16) |
|---|---|---|
| Tai Tuivasa | 14-10-0 | +500 |
| Robelis Despaigne | 6-2-0 | −700 |
Weight class: Heavyweight (3 rounds). Odds source: UFC.com event page. Lines move.
Tai Tuivasa (14-10-0) sits on a long losing streak (reported approaching historic UFC consecutive-loss territory) but still carries KO power, boxing, and leg kicks into every heavyweight outing.
Robelis Despaigne (6-2-0) brings Olympic taekwondo credentials and massive reach (~213 cm). He returned with a TKO of Junior dos Santos (May 2026) after a prior UFC release and also ran a Karate Combat heavyweight title stretch. Distance management and one-shot heavyweight volatility define the matchup.
Keys for Tai Tuivasa: Close distance behind boxing and leg kicks, look for one-shot heavyweight moments, and avoid extended kicking range where reach works against him.
Force pocket exchanges and pressure rather than a pure distance striking match.
Keys for Robelis Despaigne: Manage distance with massive reach and taekwondo timing, keep Tuivasa on the end of kicks and long strikes, and stay composed through early power swings.
Convert range control into clean finishing windows without overcommitting into boxing exchanges.
Michael Aswell Jr. vs JooSang Yoo — Featherweight Bout
| Fighter | Record | ML (UFC.com / OddsTrader Sep 15–16) |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Aswell Jr. | 11-5-0 | +220 |
| JooSang Yoo | 9-1-0 | −265 |
Weight class: Featherweight (3 rounds). Odds source: OddsTrader ~Sep 15 (UFC.com listed blank at research time). Lines move.
Michael Aswell Jr. (11-5-0) is 1-3 recently in the UFC with back-to-back unanimous-decision losses to Riley and Bolanos. Aggressive high-pace pressure remains the calling card.
JooSang Yoo (9-1-0) opened with a highlight KO of Saragih at UFC 316, then took a KO loss to Daniel Santos. Measured striking and counters versus Aswell entries — both looking to reverse recent form. Odds below are from OddsTrader (~Sep 15); UFC.com listed this bout blank at research time.
Keys for Michael Aswell Jr.: Use aggressive high-pace pressure and constant entries to disrupt measured counters, and force Yoo into uncomfortable exchanges early.
Stay active through three rounds rather than fading into decision pacing after recent setbacks.
Keys for JooSang Yoo: Time counters off Aswell’s entries, keep measured striking structure, and avoid being dragged into pure pressure chaos.
Convert clean counter windows into control of range — especially after the debut highlight KO and subsequent setback.
Ryan Gandra vs Ozzy Diaz — Middleweight Bout
| Fighter | Record | ML (UFC.com / OddsTrader Sep 15–16) |
|---|---|---|
| Ryan Gandra | 10-1-0 | −525 |
| Ozzy Diaz | 10-4-0 | +390 |
Weight class: Middleweight (3 rounds). Odds source: UFC.com event page. Lines move.
Ryan “Problema” Gandra (10-1-0), Contender Series graduate on a long win streak, recently posted quick finishes of Medina and Zach Reese. Pressure finishing frames the favorite side.
Ozzy Diaz (Osman Diaz, 10-4-0) is a regional standout based in LA with size and KO power. UFC-level form has been mixed (recent TKO loss to Ateba Gautier). Height/reach favor Diaz (~193/201 vs ~185/189 cm) as the finishing-pressure versus size/power contrast.
Keys for Ryan Gandra: Carry Contender Series finishing pressure into early and mid-round sequences, similar to recent quick finishes, and keep Diaz defensive.
Close distance despite the size gap and force grappling/pressure exchanges before power shots accumulate.
Keys for Ozzy Diaz: Use height, reach, and KO power to keep Gandra on the outside, and look for clean power moments as the LA-based size/power path.
Stuff early pressure entries and make the fight a striking test rather than a finishing scramble.
UFC 331 Early Prelims Fight-by-Fight Preview
Early prelims are scheduled for 5:30 PM ET on Paramount+ (also listed on UFC Fight Pass). Three bouts open the night, including the featherweight card opener.
Edmen Shahbazyan vs Brunno Ferreira — Middleweight Bout
| Fighter | Record | ML (UFC.com / OddsTrader Sep 15–16) |
|---|---|---|
| Edmen Shahbazyan | 16-6-0 | −156 |
| Brunno Ferreira | 15-4-0 | +133 |
Weight class: Middleweight (3 rounds). Odds source: OddsTrader ~Sep 15 (UFC.com listed blank at research time). Lines move.
Edmen “The Golden Boy” Shahbazyan (16-6-0) gets a Los Angeles homecoming. He took a unanimous-decision loss to Brendan Allen (Fight of the Night) after prior wins over Muniz and Petroski. Fast hands and early power remain central. Odds from OddsTrader (~Sep 15); UFC.com listed blank at research time — verify live books.
Brunno Ferreira (15-4-0), DWCS product, is an explosive southpaw with consecutive losses to Rodrigues (TKO) and Aliskerov (UD) after a win over Marvin Vettori. He rarely goes the distance historically — high finish potential both ways.
Keys for Edmen Shahbazyan: Use fast hands and early power in a homecoming setting, and establish striking rhythm before Ferreira’s explosive southpaw entries take over.
Manage minutes carefully after recent Decision wars — stay sharp early without leaving large defensive gaps.
Keys for Brunno Ferreira: Convert explosive southpaw power into early finishing sequences, and keep the fight chaotic rather than a measured decision pace.
Hunt stoppage windows historically preferred over long distance — force exchanges before Shahbazyan settles into volume.
Casey O’Neill vs Eduarda Moura — Women’s Flyweight Bout
| Fighter | Record | ML (UFC.com / OddsTrader Sep 15–16) |
|---|---|---|
| Casey O’Neill | 11-2-0 | −200 |
| Eduarda Moura | 12-2-0 | +165 |
Weight class: Women’s Flyweight (3 rounds). Odds source: UFC.com event page. Lines move.
Casey O’Neill (11-2-0) owns back-to-back wins including a Round 1 KO of Fernandes (Mar 2026) after a layoff. Volume, conditioning, and wrestling define the Australian’s approach.
Eduarda Moura (12-2-0) has wins over Hardy and Murphy, plus a UD loss and miss weight opposite Wang Cong (Feb 2026). Strong takedown/top game versus pace/activity; similar height with a slight reach edge to O’Neill (~175 vs ~170 cm).
Keys for Casey O’Neill: Sustain volume, conditioning, and wrestling pace across three rounds, and keep activity high so grappling strength cannot dictate every sequence.
Use slight reach and pace to stay first to the punch/kick while stuffing prolonged top control.
Keys for Eduarda Moura: Force takedown and top-game sequences where grappling strength can blunt O’Neill’s volume, and look for control minutes rather than pure striking wars.
Close distance cleanly, chain wrestling entries, and make the fight a grappling test when exchanges open.
Giga Chikadze vs Joanderson Brito — Featherweight Bout — Card Opener
| Fighter | Record | ML (UFC.com / OddsTrader Sep 15–16) |
|---|---|---|
| Giga Chikadze | 15-6-0 | +300 |
| Joanderson Brito | 19-5-1 | −390 |
Weight class: Featherweight (3 rounds). Odds source: UFC.com event page. Lines move.
Giga Chikadze (15-6-0) returns to kickboxing distance and kicks in his first fight since a KO loss to Vallejos (Dec 2025), also with recent losses to Onama and Allen. Height/reach favor Chikadze (~183/188 vs ~173/183 cm).
Joanderson Brito (19-5-1) arrives off a front-choke submission of Leavitt, bringing pressure, wrestling, and power. Distance kicking versus forward pressure/grappling opens the early prelims featherweight slot.
Keys for Giga Chikadze: Keep kickboxing distance with kicks and length, manage range against forward pressure, and avoid extended clinch/wrestling sequences.
Use height/reach to score at distance and reset whenever Brito closes — especially early in the card opener.
Keys for Joanderson Brito: Walk through kicking range with pressure, wrestling, and power, and force grappling exchanges that blunt distance striking.
Chain forward entries into control or finishing sequences similar to recent submission work — keep Chikadze off the fence and kicking lines.
UFC 331 Odds: Lines Move — Verify Before You Bet
That is the full Crypto.com UFC 331: Van vs. Pantoja 2 fight card for September 19, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles — 12 fights from early prelims through the five-round flyweight title rematch, with UFC.com and OddsTrader moneylines from the September 15–16 snapshot and how-to-watch details for Paramount+ (early prelims 5:30 PM ET, prelims 7:00 PM ET, main card 9:00 PM ET). Odds change; UFC.com and sportsbooks may show different numbers by fight night. Always verify current lines, bout status, and broadcast windows before wagering. For paid write-ups and guaranteed Max picks on this card, see the Cappers Direct UFC signup. This preview is for informational and SEO context only and does not project winners or include betting recommendations.