Joshua Van vs Alexandre Pantoja: UFC 331 Flyweight Title Showdown
At UFC 331, Joshua Van faced Alexandre Pantoja for the flyweight title in a highly anticipated rematch. Van, the youngest champion, retained his belt after a dominant performance, while the undercard featured notable bouts across divisions. The event showcased rising stars and seasoned veterans, so…
By Felo News Desk · Published
UFC 331, held on Saturday night, delivered a marquee flyweight title fight between Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja. The bout was the long‑awaited rematch of their first encounter, which saw Van claim the championship in a dramatic finish. Fans and analysts alike were eager to see if Pantoja could reclaim the title after a shoulder injury that halted his first defense.
Background: The Road to UFC 331
Joshua Van, 24, entered the Octagon as the youngest champion in UFC history, having captured the flyweight belt in December 2023. His first title defense against Pantoja ended abruptly when the Brazilian suffered a shoulder injury 26 seconds into the fight, forcing the bout to be stopped. Van’s victory, however, was not without controversy, as many felt the injury was accidental and that Pantoja deserved a chance to fight again.
Since that incident, Van has successfully defended his title against Tatsuro Taira in May 2024, a fight that many considered a title‑reaffirming performance. The win over Taira, who was known for his relentless pressure, showcased Van’s ability to adapt and finish fights, earning him the nickname “The Youngest Champion.”
Alexandre Pantoja, 36, has been on a long layoff due to his shoulder injury. The veteran, known for his grappling prowess and relentless pressure, had to rebuild his momentum. Despite the setback, Pantoja’s reputation as a pound‑for‑pound threat in the division made the rematch a must‑watch event for UFC fans.
The Main Card: Flyweight Title Fight
The headline bout saw Van retain his title with a decisive performance. In a fight that began with both fighters trading strikes, Van showcased his striking accuracy and cardio, landing a series of crisp combinations that opened up Pantoja’s defense. As the rounds progressed, Van’s grappling improved, allowing him to secure takedowns and maintain top control.
Van’s strategy focused on keeping the fight standing, using his reach advantage to keep Pantoja at bay. When Pantoja attempted to bring the fight to the ground, Van countered with swift takedown defense and a series of ground-and-pound strikes that ultimately led to a technical knockout in the third round. The finish cemented Van’s status as the dominant force in the flyweight division.
Undercard Highlights
- Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy (Lightweight) – A high‑octane matchup that saw Tsarukyan secure a first‑round knockout, showcasing his striking power.
- Patricio Pitbull vs. Dooho Choi (Featherweight) – Pitbull, the seasoned veteran, fought with his trademark aggression, earning a unanimous decision over Choi.
- Gable Steveson vs. Sean Sharaf (Heavyweight) – Steveson, the Olympic gold medalist, dominated Sharaf with a combination of wrestling and striking, winning by technical knockout.
- Alonzo Menifield vs. Iwo Baraniewski (Light-Heavyweight) – Menifield displayed his striking prowess, outboxing Baraniewski for a decisive victory.
- Marlon Vera vs. Charles Jourdain (Bantamweight) – Vera showcased his striking accuracy, securing a unanimous decision over Jourdain.
- Michael Aswell Jr vs. Joosang Yoo (Featherweight) – Aswell Jr. used his grappling to control the fight, winning by submission.
- Ryan Gandra vs. Ozzy Diaz (Middleweight) – Gandra’s aggressive style led to a first‑round knockout of Diaz.
Fight Timing and Viewing Options
The event kicked off with early prelims at 10:00 PM BST, followed by regular prelims at 11:30 PM BST. The main card began at 2:00 AM BST, aligning with 6:00 PM PT, 8:00 PM CT, and 9:00 PM ET. Viewers in the UK could watch the live broadcast on TNT Sports, with additional streaming available on HBO Max, EE TV, Virgin Media, Amazon Prime Video, and Sky Sports. In the United States, Paramount+ streamed the entire card, while CBS aired a highlight segment.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Pre‑fight odds had Van as the favorite at 8/11, reflecting his status as the reigning champion and his recent title defenses. Pantoja was listed at 11/10, indicating a close contest. For the co‑main event, Tsarukyan was favored at 1/3, with Ruffy at 9/4. These odds suggest that while Van was the clear favorite, the fight was expected to be competitive.
What Happens Next?
With the title now firmly in Van’s possession, the flyweight division will likely see new challengers emerge. Pantoja’s return to the Octagon will be closely watched, as his performance could set the stage for future title contention. Meanwhile, the UFC is expected to continue promoting cross‑division matchups, leveraging the popularity of fighters like Van and Pantoja to draw larger audiences.
As the organization looks ahead, the success of UFC 331 underscores the importance of well‑structured card planning, ensuring that marquee fights are complemented by compelling undercards that showcase both established stars and rising talents.
Key facts
- Joshua Van retained the flyweight title with a TKO over Alexandre Pantoja
- Arman Tsarukyan secured a first‑round KO in the lightweight co‑main event
- The card featured a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars across divisions
- Viewers had multiple streaming options, including TNT Sports and Paramount+
- Betting odds favored Van, but the fight was competitive
Why it matters
Joshua Van’s victory confirms his dominance in the flyweight division and sets the stage for future title contenders, while the event’s strong card demonstrates the UFC’s capacity to deliver compelling, high‑stakes matchups.
Frequently asked questions
What was the result of the Van vs. Pantoja fight?
Joshua Van won by technical knockout in the third round.
When did UFC 331 take place?
The event aired on Saturday night, with the main card beginning at 2:00 AM BST.
Where can I watch UFC 331?
In the UK: TNT Sports, HBO Max, EE TV, Virgin Media, Amazon Prime Video, Sky Sports. In the US: Paramount+ and CBS highlights.
What were the betting odds for the main fight?
Joshua Van was favored at 8/11; Alexandre Pantoja at 11/10.
What are the next steps for the flyweight division?
New challengers are expected to emerge, with Pantoja’s return likely to influence future title shots.
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “UFC 331 LIVE: Van vs Pantoja start time, undercard, fight updates and results tonight”
