UFC 331 Highlights: Van Defends Flyweight Title, Sharaf Upsets Steveson
At UFC 331 in Los Angeles, Joshua Van successfully defended his flyweight title against Alexandre Pantoja, earning a unanimous decision. In a stunning upset, Sean Sharaf knocked out heavyweight prospect Gable Steveson in just 12 seconds. The event also featured bonuses for performance and a tie‑in…
By Felo News Desk · Published
UFC 331, held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, delivered a night of drama and surprise. The main event saw Myanmar’s Joshua Van defend his flyweight championship against Brazil’s Alexandre Pantoja, while the co‑main event featured a 12‑second knockout of heavyweight prospect Gable Steveson by Sean Sharaf. The card also awarded performance bonuses to Arman Tsarukyan and Casey O’Neill, and a special “Proper Chaos” bonus to Sharaf for his swift finish.
Van vs. Pantoja: A Rematch That Delivered
Joshua Van entered the Octagon with the weight‑class title at stake after a controversial first fight with Pantoja in December. The initial bout ended 26 seconds in, when Pantoja suffered an accidental elbow dislocation that forced him to retire, handing Van the championship without a decisive victory. The rematch, scheduled for UFC 331, was therefore a chance for Van to cement his reign and for Pantoja to reclaim the belt.
Van showcased a striking masterclass, using a combination of jabs, elbows, and a decisive overhand right that knocked Pantoja down in the final round. The judges’ scorecards reflected a dominant performance: 49‑46, 49‑47, and 50‑45 in favor of Van. The win extended Van’s professional record to 18‑2 and marked his second title defense, following a successful bout against Tatsuro Taira in May.
While Pantoja fought valiantly—taking Van down early and controlling the fourth round—he was unable to secure a finish. The fight was billed as a “Fight of the Night,” and the bout’s intensity underscored the high stakes of a championship rematch.
Sharaf’s 12‑Second Knockout: A Shock to the Heavyweight Division
In the heavyweight division, Sean Sharaf delivered one of the fastest finishes in UFC history. The 33‑year‑old, who entered the fight with an 0‑2 record, caught Olympic gold‑medalist Gable Steveson in the opening exchange. A left hook followed by a right cross sent Steveson to the canvas in just 12 seconds, earning Sharaf a first‑round TKO and a place in the record books.
Steveson, a former Minnesota Golden Gopher with a 103‑3 collegiate record and two national championships, had been a betting favorite heading into the bout. The loss, his first in the UFC, has raised questions about his readiness for a title run and the depth of competition in the heavyweight division.
Sharaf’s performance also earned him a “Proper Chaos” bonus tied to the UFC’s MobLand streaming series, in addition to the standard $50,000 Performance of the Night award that went to Arman Tsarukyan for his knockout of Mauricio Ruffy.
Other Notable Performances and Bonuses
- Arman Tsarukyan finished Mauricio Ruffy with an elbow knockout in the first round, earning a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus.
- Casey O’Neill secured a first‑round armbar submission over Eduarda Moura, also earning a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus.
- Patricio Pitbull (Patricio Freire) knocked out Doo Ho Choi in the first round, marking his first UFC stoppage win.
- Other fighters on the card received their disclosed payouts, with Van earning $500,000 and Pantoja $650,000, reflecting their status as championship contenders.
Prize Money and Payouts
The California State Athletic Commission released the official payout figures for the event. Joshua Van took home $500,000, while Alexandre Pantoja earned $650,000. Other notable payouts included Arman Tsarukyan at $350,000, Patricio Freire at $400,000, and Sean Sharaf at $60,000. The payouts illustrate the financial disparity between title‑holders, contenders, and emerging fighters.
What Happens Next?
Van’s victory solidifies his position as the undisputed flyweight champion and sets the stage for future title defenses, potentially against top contenders like Justin Gaethje. Pantoja, after a loss, will likely seek a rematch or a new path to reclaim the belt. In the heavyweight division, Sharaf’s upset may propel him into higher‑profile fights, while Steveson will need to reassess his approach to regain momentum.
As the UFC continues to build its roster, UFC 331 highlighted the unpredictable nature of the sport, where a single strike can change a fighter’s trajectory overnight.
Key facts
- Joshua Van retains flyweight title with unanimous decision over Alexandre Pantoja
- Sean Sharaf knocks out Gable Steveson in 12 seconds, earning a record‑fast finish
- Arman Tsarukyan and Casey O’Neill earn $100,000 Performance of the Night bonuses
- Prize money reflects the hierarchy of fighters, with Van earning $500,000 and Pantoja $650,000
- Van’s win sets up future title defenses; Steveson faces a setback in his UFC career
Why it matters
UFC 331 showcased the volatility of MMA, where title defenses can hinge on a single round and underdogs can topple favorites, underscoring the sport’s unpredictability and the importance of preparation and strategy.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score on the judges’ cards for Van vs. Pantoja?
The judges scored the fight 49‑46, 49‑47, and 50‑45 in favor of Joshua Van.
How long did Sharaf’s knockout of Steveson last?
Sharaf finished Steveson in just 12 seconds, making it one of the fastest knockouts in UFC history.
What bonuses were awarded at UFC 331?
Performance of the Night bonuses went to Arman Tsarukyan and Casey O’Neill, each earning $100,000, while Sharaf received a special “Proper Chaos” bonus for his 12‑second finish.
