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September 19, 2026 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC 331 Image Credit: UFC

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MAIN CARD (9 p.m. ET, Paramount+)
(c) Joshua Van (125 lbs.) vs. #1 Alexandre Pantoja (125 lbs.) – for flyweight title
#2 Arman Tsarukyan (156 lbs.) vs. #7 Mauricio Ruffy (155 lbs.)
#15 Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (145.5 lbs.) vs. Doo Ho Choi (146 lbs.)
Gable Steveson (240 lbs.) vs. Sean Sharaf (241 lbs.)
#14 Alonzo Menifield (205.5 lbs.) vs. Iwo Baraniewski (206 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (7 p.m. ET, Paramount+)
#10 Marlon Vera (136 lbs.) vs. Charles Jourdain (135 lbs.)
Tai Tuivasa (264.5 lbs.) vs. Robelis Despaigne (263 lbs.)
Michael Aswell Jr. (146 lbs.) vs. Joo Sang Yoo (145.5 lbs.)
Ryan Gandra (186 lbs.) vs. Ozzy Diaz (186 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (5:30 p.m. ET, Paramount+)
Edmen Shahbazyan (185 lbs.) vs. Brunno Ferreira (184.5 lbs.)
#12 Casey O’Neill (125 lbs.) vs. #13 Eduarda Moura (125.5 lbs.)
Giga Chikadze (146 lbs.) vs. Joanderson Brito (145.5 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC 331, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host. We’ve got another numbered event here, can’t really call them PPVs anymore with that model slowly being phased out everywhere. The main event is a rematch for the flyweight title as new champion Joshua Van defends against former champion Alexandre Pantoja. The last time these two fought it only went 26 somewhat hectic seconds before an elbow injury to then champion Pantoja halted the fight. I still expect some fireworks between these two as Van is always watchable and Pantoja is the second best flyweight champion the UFC has had behind the great Demetrious Johnson. Things don’t fall off a cliff after the main event, which is nice. In the co-main event Arman Tsarukyan fight Mauricio Ruffy in a five round fight that should crown the next lightweight title challenger. We’ve also got Patricio Pitbull taking on Doo Ho Choi, Gable Steveson likely killing a man, and a fight between Alonzo Menifield and Iwo Baraniewski that at least is highly unlikely to go the distance. The prelims get a little dodgier, Marlon Vera vs. Charles Jourdain is OK but Tai Tuivasa trying to tie up with Tony Ferguson for longest losing streak in UFC history isn’t something I need. Kicking off the entire event with Giga Chikadez and Joanderson Brito is a solid choice though. So now let’s just hope the action lives up to the promise on paper.

UFC 331 comes to the world from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, USA. We’ve got the big event trio of Jon Anik, Joe Rogan, and Daniel Cormier on commentary with Bruce Buffer announcing and Megan Olivi as the roving reporter. We should be under the new rules, though I’ll update if that’s not right, and the usual 30 foot cage as well.

Giga Chikadze is on a three fight losing streak and he’s been out of action since December of last year when he got stopped by Kevin Vallejos. Chikadze now tries for his first win since 2023 and to prove he’s still a UFC level fighter. Joanderson Brito is on a two fight winning streak, if he can get to three in a row here it could set him up for a bigger name in his next fight. Brito is the favorite at -440 to Chikadze’s +340.

Featherweight Bout: Giga Chikadze (15-6, 146 lbs.) vs. Joanderson Brito (19-5-1, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Chikadze is four inches taller with two inches of reach advantage, he’s also 7 years older. Southpaw for Chikadze at first, he’s kicking early. Brito swings a few hooks but can’t quite land. Left hand from Chikadze. Bit of a head kick from Chikadze then he throws a few body kicks. Chikadze slips throwing a head kick and Brito jumps on top in full guard. Brito postures up and drops hammer fists until Chikadze goes out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Joanderson Brito via KO, hammer fists, at Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Brito for his work. Mic time for Brito and the translator, he puts over Chikadze and notes that Chikadze was fighting at a high level before Brito started in MMA. He asks for a bonus, that always limits the odds and the UFC brass who make that call probably aren’t even here yet. He talks us through the finish then says while people complain about fighter pay he loves the UFC then again asks for a bonus. The irony is thick there.

The finish can be seen HERE.

Casey O’Neill is on a two fight winning streak and earlier this year ran over Gabriella Fernandes in the first round, if she can replicate that kind of exciting win here she should be taking aim at top 10 opponents next. Eduarda Moura has gone 3-2 in the UFC but missed weight three times during that stretch across both strawweight and flyweight. Most recently Moura lost to Wang Cong and now she’s trying to avoid her first losing streak. The odds like O’Neill at -240 to a +200 comeback on Moura.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: #12 Casey O’Neill (11-2, 125 lbs.) vs. #13 Eduarda Moura (12-2, 125.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while O’Neill has two inches of reach advantage. Both women come out swinging, O’Neill then throws a calf kick but Moura off balances her and gets on top in half guard. Elbow from Moura. Moura looks to pass but O’Neill is threatening a back take, which is some crazy flexibility. Not much going on, O’Neill gets full guard but Moura lands an elbow. Moura passes to north-south. O’Neill rolls to turtle, Moura grabs an anaconda choke though and looks to crank that down. Moura gets close but loses the grip and O’Neill gets full guard. Elevator sweep into an armbar from O’Neill and Moura taps. Incredible reversal there.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Casey O’Neill via Submission, armbar, at 3:22 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mrs. O’Neill for her work. Mic time for O’Neill, Rogan is gushing over that finish and O’Neill talks us through the finish. After seeing it she thinks that was pretty cool. She hopes that gets a bonus for that, Rogan thinks if she doesn’t get one it’ll be a crime. To close she says this is her moment and calls out Maycee Barber. Not an unreasonable callout.

Man this is a pretty flow into the tap.

Edmen Shahbazyan is only 29 years old but has 15 UFC fights to his name, he also just had a three fight winning streak broken by Brendan Allen and now tries to avoid another losing streak. Brunno Ferreira is on a two fight losing streak after dropping bouts to Gregory Rodrigues and Ikram Aliskerov, if he wants to remain a somewhat relevant player in the division he cannot afford a third loss here. Fairly close one here at -180 for Shahbazyan to Ferriera’s +150.

Middleweight Bout: Edmen Shahbazyan (16-6, 185 lbs.) vs. Brunno Ferreira (15-4, 184.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Shahbazyan is four and a half inches taller with two inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get going. Bit of a calf kick from Shahbazyan. Ferreira starts showing stance switches. Shahbazyan keeps showing the calf kick. Ferreira isn’t doing a whole lot, he seems like he’s waiting to draw out Shahbazyan then blitz and counter. Bit of a calf kick from Shahbazyan. Ferreira blocks a few punches then checks a calf kick. Not a lot from either guy at this point. Ferreira misses a few punches. Counter left from Shahbazyan lands, that’ll end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Shahbazyan

ROUND TWO: Ferreira feints a little more as the round starts. Side kick to the knee from Ferreira. Shahbazyan lands a calf kick. Bit of a flurry from Ferreira. Shahbazyan blocks a high kick. Another glancing right hand from Ferreira. Shahbazyan lands a calf kick then evades the counters. They both miss punches. Ferreira blocks a couple of punches. Jab from Shahbazyan. Bit of a right from Ferreira. Glancing elbow from Ferreira. Shahbazyan hits the body a couple of times. Ferreira lands a calf kick. A couple of body kicks from Shahbazyan land. A couple side kicks to the knee from Ferreira land and Shahbazyan got bothered by that. Both men swing punches then Ferreira gets poked in the eye so we’ve got a time out with about a second left in the round. Replay confirms the eye poke. Shahbazyan’s coaches keep trying to coach which is against the rules during a time out. At this point between Shahbazyan’s poke and the behavior of Shahbazyan’s coaches the ref could take a point. Ferreira takes a bit but can continue, the ref of course does not take a point, they restart and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Shahbazyan, 20-18 Shahbazyan overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Front kick from Ferreira then a calf kick. Very aggressive stuff from Ferreira now, nice of him to finally wake up. Ferreira with a side kick to the knee then a left hand. Bit of a flurry from Ferreira then a knee in close. Body kick from Ferreira. Shahbazyan lands a right hand. Another oblique kick from Ferreira, that lead leg of Shahbazyan is getting a bit messed up. Shahbazyan lands a calf kick then a right hand to the body. Calf kick from Ferreira. Ferreira punches forward and lands a left hand. One two from Shahbazyan. Bit of a right from Ferreira. Shahbazyan lands a body kick. Left to the body from Shahbazyan, Ferreira responds with a right hand. They tie up and Shahbazyan gets to the back standing. Ferreira tries to reach for a leg but Shahbazyan gets him down. Quick wall walk from Ferreira but Shahbazyan still holds the back. Elbow from Shahbazyan as they break. Shahbazyan lands a jab. Ferreira fights off a takedown but still gets clinched. Knee from Ferreira then a left hand as they separate. A lot of movement from Shahbazyan now. Shahbazyan lands a left hook that wobbles Ferreira, he follows up with punches then drops Ferreira with a right hand as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Shahbazyan, 30-27 Shahbazyan overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Edmen Shahbazyan via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)

I imagine round two could be up for grabs given how little happened. Mic time for Shahbazyan since he’s the local boy, he thanks God first then says he proved he can fight a full three rounds. My man at that pace I could fight for 15 minutes too. He talks about drilling the calf kicks. Asked about the future he mentions he’s been here for 8 years and still looks to improve. To close he puts over his after party.

Ryan Gandra is on a nine fight winning streak including two first round wins in the UFC and if he can extend all that success here it’ll be hard to deny his status as a major prospect for the division. Ozzy Diaz has gone 1-2 in the UFC and most recently was stopped by Ateba Gautier, he’s trying to get his UFC record back to the .500 mark by upsetting Gandra. Gandra is a fairly heavy favorite at -500 to +380 on Diaz.

Middleweight Bout: Ryan Gandra (10-1, 186 lbs.) vs. Ozzy Diaz (10-4, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Diaz is three inches taller with four and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get going. Some circling to start from both men. Bit of a calf kick from Gandra. Body jab from Gandra. Diaz avoids a right hand. Bit of a front kick from Gandra. Intercepting elbow from Diaz. Combination from Gandra, he looks to follow up and floors Diaz against the fence to get the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ryan Gandra via TKO, punches, at 2:04 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Gandra for his work. Mic time for Gandra and the translator, he plays with the crowd in rudimentary English then goes to Portuguese to say he was patient until he found the right time to go. Asked about the future he wants to fight former champion Israel Adesanya.

Michael Aswell has gone just 1-3 in the UFC and is on a two fight losing streak, he really needs to get a win here otherwise he could well be out of the promotion. Joo Sang Yoo has gone 1-1 in the UFC and is coming off of his first professional loss, now he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak. The odds are with Yoo at -190 while +160 on Aswell might tempt a few bettors.

Featherweight Bout: Michael Aswell Jr. (146 lbs.) vs. Joo Sang Yoo (145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Aswell is an inch taller while Yoo has two and a half inches of reach advantage, he’s also 7 years older. Yoo misses a spainning back kick to start. Jab from Yoo then a calf kick. Aswell misses a couple of punches. Another jab from Yoo then he avoids a few counters. Calf kick from Aswell. Another calf kick from Aswell. Yoo lands another jab, this time Aswell lands a counter right. Front kick from Yoo then a body kick. Another calf kick from Yoo. Right hand from Aswell, then another one. Yoo pokes out a few jabs then lands a front kick. They trade rights. Yoo just doesn’t move his head almost at all. Both men miss in close. Calf kick from Aswell. Yoo tries a takedown but Aswell defends then lands a left hook. Left hook from Aswell, then Yoo lands another stiff jab. Aswell’s right eye is swelling a bit from all the jabs. They trade in close, Yoo is cut under the left eye now but it’s not bad. They trade rights again. Jab from Yoo then Aswell lands a calf kick. Bit of a left hook from Yoo then he misses a wheel kick. They split jabs a few times. They tie up then Yoo pushes things to the fence as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Aswell but could go either way

ROUND TWO: A lot of jabs from both guys to start the second round. Yoo is landing his well enough but he needs to start building on it. Another jab from Yoo. Aswell misses a right hand. Yoo lands a right hand. Glancing right hand from Aswell. Another jab from Yoo. Aswell lands a calf kick. They trade lefts. Aswell tries a takedown, that hits the fence though and stalls out. Some shoulder strikes are traded but nothing serious. They break without incident. Both men fall short with rights. A few more jabs from Yoo. Bit of a left hook from Yoo. They both sort of land rights. Yoo lands another jab. Aswell gets to the back standing and things hit the fence then he lands a left hand as they break. Pretty stiff jab from Yoo. Yoo tries a takedown, Aswell defends and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Yoo but another one that could go either way, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Back to the same stuff from both men. Jabs from Yoo then Aswell lands a calf kick. Right hand from Yoo. Another calf kick from Aswell. Bit of a left hook from Yoo. Aswell lands a jab then avoids a right hand. Right hand from Yoo who is finally waking up. Right hand then a left hook from Yoo. Both men land rights. Knee in close from Yoo then a right hand. They punch into a clinch, takedown from Yoo into half guard. Aswell looks to wall walk, Yoo smothers that and lands a few short punches. Time is getting away from Yoo now, he’s got to get offense going. Yoo moves to side control and lands an elbow. Aswell tries to wall walk again, he wrestles up into another clinch. They break and we get some wild swinging from both men as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Yoo, 29-28 Yoo overall but could go either way

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Michael Aswell Jr. via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)

A couple of close rounds will get that. Mic time for Aswell, Rogan can’t see why that was a split decision because he’s not very good at this anymore, then Aswell sends love to his family and God. He puts over his team to close.

Tai Tuivasa is on a seven fight losing streak and his last win was over Derrick Lewis in 2022, he’s trying to halt that skid here and avoid drawing into a tie for longest UFC losing streak. Robelis Despaigne was cut from the UFC in 2024 then had several bouts in Karate Combat before returning to MMA back in May to beat the semi-ambulatory corpse of Junior dos Santos. That was enough for the UFC to get him back here, mostly to keep him from fighting Francis Ngannou, but he’s looking for his first UFC win since 2024. I’m not surprised Despaigne is the favorite, but a man who lost to Austen Lane should probably not be a -480 favorite is all I’m saying while Tuivasa’s comeback sits at +360.

Heavyweight Bout: Tai Tuivasa (14-10, 264.5 lbs.) vs. Robelis Despaigne (6-2, 263 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Despaigne is five inches taller with a large nine inches of reach advantage. Some circling and feinting from both men. Tuivasa misses a right hand and gets dropped by a left hook but he gets back up. Another left from Despaigne and some follow ups, Tuivasa is hurt but still swinging. Both men land in close, Tuivasa gets dropped but he’s back up and still swinging into a clinch. Tuivasa pushes things to the fence, but he tries a takedown and Despaigne smothers him to get on top in half guard. Not much happening here, then Despaigne moves to full mount. Hammer fists from Despaigne, Tuivasa is trying to control posture. More punches from Despaigne, Tuivasa then rolls to turtle. Despaigne gets the back with both hooks in, but they both kind of suck and just fight back upright. Tuivasa bulls into a clinch and lands an elbow. Despaigne looks tires already and Tuivasa with a bad takedown but it works to get into half guard. Tuivasa swings a few punches, nothing really lands but he’s at least staying busy. Arm triangle attack from Tuivasa, that’s ugly and the fence is complicating things as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Despaigne

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Despaigne has never won a fight after the first round so he’s going to have to buck history. Tuivasa swings wildly and misses. They trade rights. Tuivasa pushes into a clinch. Some knees to the leg from Tuivasa then he tries to level change. Despaigne blocks the level change but he looks very uncomfortable as he slips free. Left hook from Despaigne then a knee but Tuivasa just eats it and clinches yet again. Tuivasa is after a takedown but bails to swing punches that don’t land then he clinches again. Takedown from Despaigne, ugly as sin but it worked and he’s on top in side control. Bit of a right hand from Despaigne. Tuivasa gets half guard. Despaigne lands some rights, not much on them. Some more punches from Despaigne, they’re not super strong and the ref stands them up. Tuivasa pushes into another clinch right away. They’ll end the round in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Despaigne but could go either way, 20-18 Despaigne overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again. Both men miss jabs. Bit of a head kick from Despaigne. Inside leg kick from Tuivasa into a clinch on the fence. Tuivasa hits the body as they break. Both men land hooks in close then Tuivasa clinches again. A few elbows from Despaigne as Tuivasa looks to level change. The ref could break them here. They break on their own and both swing punches, Despaigne landed better punches then Tuivasa falls into yet another clinch. Tuivasa tries another level change but nothing comes of it then Despaigne spins free. Some punches from Despaigne land then Tuivasa grabs a clinch. Despaigne hip tosses Tuivasa to get on top in half guard. A few punches land for Despaigne, Tuivasa is bleeding from the bridge of his nose. Tuivasa tries to wall walk, he’s getting to his knees and Despaigne moves to the ride. Eventually Tuivasa gets up but holds the clinch. That’s where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Despaigne, 30-27 Despaigne overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Robelis Despaigne via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)

I don’t get that being split at all, Tuivasa could have gotten the second but no idea how he could have won the first or third rounds. No interview for Despaigne.

Charles Jourdain is on a three fight winning streak which has seen him settle into things at bantamweight, if he can get that to four wins in a row here at the expense of a ranked opponent he’ll be set up nicely for a push towards the top of the division. Marlon Vera is on a four fight losing streak but retains a top 10 ranking for some reason, his last win was in 2023 when he beat Pedro Munhoz, and now he needs to defend his ranking or risk falling towards irrelevance. The odds like Jourdain at -190 against +160 for Vera.

Bantamweight Bout: #10 Marlon Vera (23-12-1, 136 lbs.) vs. Charles Jourdain (18-8-1, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Jourdain is an inch taller while Vera has an inch and a half of reach advantage. Southpaw for Jourdain to start but he’ll switch if he feels like it, as will Vera. Calf kick from Jourdain. Vera is hanging out in southpaw at the moment. Both men show front kicks. They get close and Jourdain hits the body while Vera fires knees then they break. Jourdain lands a front kick. Bit of a calf kick from Jourdain. Vera misses a punch, both men land in close after a Vera calf kick. Vera catches a kick and takes Jourdain down. Vera lands a few punches as Jourdain stands then Vera with knees to the body as both men are in a collar tie position. Knees are traded before they break. Jourdain misses a wheel kick. Bit of a jumping knee from Jourdain. Glancing uppercut from Vera. They tie up, Vera slips to the back standing then Jourdain lands a couple of body shots as he breaks. Vera catches another kick and runs Jourdain down to the mat then gets on top. Vera moves to half guard, Jourdain starts fishing for things and wall walks but Vera is still on the back. Some knees to the leg from Vera, Jourdain is landing a few elbows to the forearm though. They get free and Vera lands lefts to the body and head as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Vera

ROUND TWO: Jourdain shows more punches as the round begins. Calf kick from Jourdain. Vera avoids a left hand. Front kick from Jourdain but Vera counters back with punches. Jourdain lands a jab. Jourdain with a punch into a clinch, he lands a few knees to the body. Both men land uppercuts then Vera lands an elbow as they break. Jourdain keeps pressuring forward and lands an uppercut in close. Bit of a left hand from Vera then an inside leg kick. Knee from Vera in close then they trade elbows. Vera lands another elbow. Jourdain lands a front kick. Both men hit the body in close then Jourdain fires a spinning elbow as they separate which partially lands. Leg kick from Vera then he drops Jourdain with a couple of hooks in close. Jourdain stands but Vera runs him to the fence then lands a knee and an elbow. Jourdain gets close and lands uppercuts, Vera returns one of them. Jabs from Vera at range now, then a right hand. Vera is jabbing out of either stance. Jourdain tries a jumping knee, Vera takes him down then stands over him and hits the body. Elbows to the calf from Vera then a left hand. More punches from Vera then an elbow. Jourdain is getting beaten up but he stands free. Bit of a left hand from Jourdain. Jourdain throws a combination, he’s hurt but not out of things. Body kick from Vera then knees to the body drop Jourdain again and he follows down to land a couple elbows before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Vera, 20-18 Vera overall

ROUND THREE: Jourdain’s left eye is discolored and swelling up. Vera avoids a left hand. Bit of a head kick from Vera. Vera lands a jab. Bit of a hook kick from Vera. Jourdain lands a left to the body but Vera responds with a left hand. Oblique kick from Vera, that didn’t feel good. Both men hit the body in close then Vera lands a few knees to the body. Both men land hooks as they break. Jourdain is a little hurt after that last exchange. Vera with punches then a front kick. Solid left hand from Vera drops Jourdain and Jourdain waves to the ref as his other eye got punched there.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Marlon Vera via TKO, punches, at 2:02 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Vera for his work. Mic time for Vera, he admits he needed this kind of finish then thanks his family and team for getting him to this new run. He says it’s been a long road and a lot of changes to get here and he’s let God prevail in his life as the hard work is paying off.

Iwo Baraniewski is undefeated including three wins in the UFC with all of his wins coming in the first round, and now he’s looking to crash into the top 15 rankings with another quick stoppage. Alonzo Menifield has gone 3-3 in his last six fights but most recently spoiled the ascent of Zhang Mingyang and now he looks to play spoiler again then set his sights on fighters ranked above him. Baraniewski is the -265 favorite to Menifield’s +215 comeback.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #14 Alonzo Menifield (18-6-1, 205.5 lbs.) vs. Iwo Baraniewski (9-0, 206 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Baraniewski is half an inch taller while Menifield has two and a half inches of reach advantage and is 11 years older. They touch gloves to get started. Menifield misses a couple of punches. Baraniewski lands a right hand. Menifield keeps reaching and throwing punches but not landing. Calf kick from Menifield. Baraniewski blocks a couple of punches, then Menifield lands a right hand. Bit of a right from Baraniewski. Menifield misses a right hand. Both men duck punches in close, they’re both swinging pretty hard early. Right hand from Baraniewski. Menifield lands a jab. Baraniewski lands another right hand. Menifield is a little hurt after that last punch but he recovers. Both men land rights, then Baraniewski lands another right that wobbles Menifield. Baraniewski backs Menifield to the fence and punches but Menifield clinches. Knee from Baraniewski as they jockey for position. Menifield tries to level change, Baraniewski blocks it and they break then trade more punches. A couple rights stun Menifield then Baraniewski hits a takedown into half guard. Elbow from Baraniewski then he moves to mount. Menifield rolls to turtle, Baraniewski moves to the ride and knees the body. Menifield gets up but Baraniewski knees him in the head along the way then settles for holding the back standing. They break and Baraniewski misses a right hand. Baraniewski pressures forward again and lands a left hand. Bit of a right hand from Menifield as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Baraniewski

ROUND TWO: Both men miss rights then get close and unload punches in the pocket. They tie up and Menifield pushes things to the fence. Baraniewski spins Menifield and lands some knees to the body. Elbow from Baraniewski. They break and Menifield lands a left hand. They both land rights. Jabs from Baraniewski land. Left to the body from Baraniewski, Menifield then lands a left hand. Baraniewski with a combination of punches. Menifield pushes into another clinch on the fence. Menifield’s left eye is a little busted up and Baraniewski has been bleeding from the nose since the first round. Bit of a knee from Baraniewski then Menifield lands an uppercut and punches on the break but Baraniewski clips him with a right hand. Baraniewski is showing some stance switches now and lands a left hand. Short right from Baraniewski. Left uppercuts from Baraniewski land. Menifield falls short with punches and eats some counters. Jab from Baraniewski. Both men avoid left hooks. Menifield lands a right hand. Both men land in close again as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Baraniewski but a close one, 20-18 Baraniewski overall

ROUND THREE: Menifield’s left thumb is visibly messed up. Both men come out swinging, Baraniewski lands a right hand then they clinch. Takedown from Baraniewski, Menifield wrestles up into a clinch though. Some short punches from Baraniewski in the clinch. They jockey for position and Baraniewski lands a few more knees. Baraniewski tries a foot sweep but Menifield stays upright and in the clinch. Not much going on here, bit of a knee from Baraniewski. Elbow from Baraniewski. The ref finally separates them, took you long enough ref. Baraniewski lands a jab then a right hand. Both men land in close again. They split jabs. Menifield lands a right hand and they clinch up again. Both men punch in close. Menifield avoids a spinning attack and keeps the clinch. They both land some short punches. They keep trading in the clinch as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Menifield, 29-28 Baraniewski overall but will hinge on that second round

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alonzo Menifield via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)

I don’t agree with that but can’t get up in arms, whole fight hinges on the second round which was quite close. Mic time for Menifield, he shows off the thumb injury and you can see bone if you’re sick like that. Rogan tries to say the fight was incredible, which it absolutely was not. Menifield puts over Baraniewski then says he’s seen the effects of homelessness and he’s tough to try and overcome it. He plays with the crowd then sends love to his old coach who passed away.

They announce UFC 334, headlined by Ciryl Gane defending the heavyweight title against Josh Hokit with a Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes in the co-main event.

Gable Steveson is undefeated in MMA and is a former Olympic gold medalist in wrestling, he got a fairly quick win in his UFC debut back in July and now he’s looking to prove he’s among the new crop of heavyweights that can revive the division. Sean Sharaf has gone 0-2 in the UFC, losing to Junior Tafa and Steven Asplund, now he’s trying to spring a major upset and find that first UFC win. Steveson is a prohibitive favorite at a whopping -2400 while I’m sure a few degenerate bettors out there will take a flier on the +1100 payout on Sharaf.

Heavyweight Bout: Gable Steveson (4-0, 240 lbs.) vs. Sean Sharaf (4-2, 241 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Sharaf is three inches taller with two inches of reach advantage, he’s also 7 years older. Sharaf shows the jab then eats a calf kick. Sharaf lands a left hook that ENDS Steveson.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Sean Sharaf via KO, punch, at :12 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Sharaf for his work. Mic time for Sharaf, he’s not surprised by the outcome because we still haven’t advanced MMA culture since Nate Diaz dropped that line. He plays with the crowd then talks us through the finish. He thanks God then gets to pray to close.

Patricio Pitbull is probably the best fighter Bellator ever had under their banner, he got the UFC fairly late and has gone 1-2 since joining. Most recently Pitbull lost to Aaron Pico and now he’s trying to avoid his first UFC losing streak. Doo Ho Choi hasn’t lost since 2019 and is on a three fight winning streak, he’s getting a step up in terms of name value here but a win should push him into the rankings. The odds like Choi at -275 while +225 on Pitbull seems like a decent value bet.

Featherweight Bout: #15 Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (37-9, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Doo Ho Choi (17-4-1, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Choi is four inches taller with three inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Body jab by Choi. Choi with a bit of a left uppercut. They trade knees in close. Choi punches in close and lands an uppercut. Jab from Choi. Bit of a body kick from Pitbull. Another jab from Choi. Right to the body from Choi then a left hook. Pitbull starts looking to get his own jab going and lands one to the body. Right hand from Pitbull. They trade in close. Right hand from Pitbull, he might be overpowering Choi at this point. They split jabs, Choi is cut around the right eyebrow. They trade lefts in close. Right hand from Pitbull. Choi lands a left hook. Both men land in close and Choi lands an uppercut. Pitbull with a right hand that locks up Choi, he pushes him over and is able to unload on the mat to get the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Patricio “Pitbull” Freire via KO, punches, at 3:28 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Pitbull for his work. Mic time for Pitbull and the translator, he apologizes for his prior fights but feels like he’s finally comfortable in the UFC and this is what he can do. To close he calls out Jean Silva, that seems unlikely as Silva is near the title picture.

Arman Tsarukyan has gone 10-2 in the UFC with those losses coming to Islam Makhachev and Mateusz Gamrot, he’s currently on a five fight winning streak with the last two wins coming over Charles Oliveira and Dan Hooker. Tsarukyan should have fought for the title already but if he can get another win here it would make him pretty clearly the next man up for the belt. Mauricio Ruffy has gone 5-1 in the UFC and is on a two fight winning streak, and a win over Tsarukyan would be the biggest of his career and might even push him into a title fight. Tsarukyan is the -320 favorite to Ruffy’s +250 comeback. Also as a reminder this is a 5 round fight.

Lightweight Bout: #2 Arman Tsarukyan (23-3, 156 lbs.) vs. #7 Mauricio Ruffy (14-2, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ruffy is four inches taller with two and a half inches of reach advantage. Bit of a calf kick from Tsarukyan. Both men with some feinting. A few jabs are traded. Ruffy is keeping things long so far, he misses a right hand but lands a left. Tsarukyan misses an ax kick. Tsarukyan shoots, gets to a single leg but things hit the fence. Ruffy looks to defend, Tsarukyan is forced to switch to a clinch. Tsarukyan keeps looking for a front uchi mata but can’t quite finish it. Ruffy loses position and Tsarukyan slips to the back standing and starts working mat returns. Tsarukyan’s left eye is swelling, not sure what caused that, but he lands an elbow as Ruffy gets chest to chest. Tsarukyan gets to the back again then lands a punch when Ruffy gets chest to chest. Left hand from Tsarukyan as they break. Right hand from Tsarukyan. Tsarukyan punches in close and ENDS Ruffy with an elbow in close.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Arman Tsarukyan via KO, elbows, at 4:56 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Tsarukyan for his work. Mic time for Tsarukyan, he plays with the crowd and says he came here to save the city. He needed the finish to get the title fight and knew he’d find the finish since he had 5 rounds. He talks us through the finish and puts over his coaches, then to close he says he should fight for the title next or else beat up Mark Zuckerburg.

Alexandre Pantoja is the former flyweight champion and just had an eight fight winning streak broken when he suffered an elbow injury trying for his fifth title defense. Pantoja is looking to prove that result was a fluke, reclaim his belt, and get on about the business of proving his case as one of the very best flyweights the UFC has ever seen. Joshua Van is on a seven fight winning streak including winning the title and most recently defending it against Tatsuro Taira, Van is trying to put Pantoja in his rear view mirror once and for all with a more decisive win and then start building his own title legacy. Very close fight here, -150 on Van to +125 for Pantoja.

Flyweight Title Bout: (c) Joshua Van (17-2, 125 lbs.) vs. #1 Alexandre Pantoja (30-6, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height, Pantoja has two inches of reach advantage and is 12 years older. Pantoja with a quick one two then they tie up and he hits a takedown into half guard. Van quickly gets butterfly guard. Van starts looking to wall walk, Pantoja moves to full mount though. Pantoja starts threatening an arm triangle, he lands elbows though as Van fights up and is able to wind up on top in full guard. Van hits the body a few times but Pantoja is working his guard up and tries an armbar, Van stands free though and we reset. Both men swing and Pantoja hurts Van with a few knees. Glancing right hand from Pantoja. Van avoids a trip. Van starts jabbing now, Pantoja returns one. Another jab from Pantoja. Both men land in close. Calf kick from Pantoja then a jab. Another calf kick from Pantoja. Van lands a right hand. They tie up and Van misses an elbow. Van jabs close, Pantoja then hits a lovely takedown into full mount again. Pantoja lands punches as Van shrimps to half guard. They wrestle up into a clinch, Van swings punches on the break and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pantoja

ROUND TWO: Both men come out swinging, they tie up and Pantoja lands a knee. More knees from Pantoja in close then an elbow. We get a time out as Pantoja got cut by a clash of heads. The doctor checks the Pantoja cut, it’s around the eyebrow and after the replay the contact was accidental. There’s no issue with the restart and after 1:40 we’re back to fighting. Pantoja gets back o pressure and punches in close then ties up. Van defends against the fence as Pantoja looks for a takedown. They break without incident. Van moves forward but eats a left hand. Pantoja lands a calf kick, Van returns it. Both men land punches in close. Some jabs go back and forth. Calf kick from Pantoja. Van lands a calf kick then Pantoja lands a body kick. Jab from Van, then Pantoja responds with a one two. These two are just taking lumps out of each other. Body kick and jab from Pantoja. Both men land in close again. Pantoja tries a takedown, Van defends but winds up clinched on the fence. Van slips free after getting tripped. Again both men land in close. Van lands a left hook, Pantoja tries a takedown but Van shoves him over and gets on top in full guard. Pantoja lands an elbow then Van stands free. Pantoja lands a body kick but Van lands a right hand. Bit of a knee from Pantoja. Van hits the body in close. Pantoja lands a right. Double leg from Pantoja into butterfly guard. Van wrestles up but Pantoja gets the back because he’s a monster at doing so. Short time though and Pantoja lands a few punches but wont find a choke before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Van but could go either way, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Pantoja comes out jabbing. Bit of a body kick from Pantoja. Pantoja lands a calf kick. Front kick to the face from Pantoja then knees to the body and one to the head. Another calf kick from Pantoja. Van is insanely durable, his right eye is swelling up a bit now. Van hits the body. Left hook from Van. Pantoja lands a calf kick. They trade a few jabs. Body kick from Pantoja, he tries a takedown but Van defends. Both men land rights then Pantoja shoots and gets things to the fence. They jockey for position the separate with a Van jab. Both men land in close again. Good heavens this fight rules. Body kick form Pantoja. Left hand from Pantoja. Van hits the body then lands an uppercut and a right hand. Elbow from Pantoja in close. Both men land in close as Pantoja zombie marches Van to the fence then clinches. Van slips to the back standing, then separates. Pantoja lands a left hand. Calf kick from Pantoja. Van lands a right hand but Pantoja takes him down against the fence. Pantoja is stripping the posting limbs from Van as Van tries to get up. Van is able to wall walk then they break. Combination from Van, then another one. Pantoja is swinging with Van but Van’s hand speed is better. They trade one last time before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Van but another close one, 29-28 Van overall

ROUND FOUR: Van comes out jabbing again. Both men land jabs then Pantoja lands a calf kick and follows up with a head kick. Pantoja tries a single leg, Van defends. Bit of a front kick from Pantoja. Calf kick from Pantoja but Van lands a right hand. Right to the body from Van. Both men land again as we brawl, Pantoja then lands a right hand and gets a takedown against the fence. Pantoja pulls Van flat to the mat and is technically in side control. Van is able to shrimp to butterfly guard. Bit of an elbow from Pantoja. Van starts to wall walk, Pantoja blocks it though and gets to half guard. Every time Van tries to wall walk he has to stop so he wont give up his back. Pantoja moves to side control for a bit. Half guard now for Pantoja and he lands an elbow then moves to side control again. Van shrimps again and gets half guard. A few punches from Pantoja land. Pantoja to full mount briefly, Van moves to sitting on the fence as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pantoja, 38-38 DRAW overall

ROUND FIVE: Circling from both men. Bit of a body kick from Pantoja then a calf kick. Van lands a right hand. Pantoja with a calf kick then a high kick. Both men again land punches in close. They trade rights. Front kick from Pantoja. Van lands a right hand. Pantoja with a calf kick. Front kick from Pantoja. Pantoja lands a body kick. Van lands a right hand. Left hook from van in close. Van keeps pressing forward and lands a combination but Pantoja lands a body kick. Van catches a body kick but doesn’t do anything with it. Combination from Van, his hand speed is still impressive. Van lands a left hand. Pantoja lands a calf kick. They split a few jabs. Inside leg kick from Pantoja. A right hand from Van drops Pantoja, Van gets on top into side control. Scarf hold armlock from Van but Pantoja defends that and Van makes him stand. Pantoja tries a takedown but Van defends. More punches from Van then he avoids a takedown and Pantoja pulls guard. Van stands free and makes Pantoja reset. Jabs are traded then both men land punches. Pantoja just keeps coming forward and they trade again as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Van, 48-47 Van overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – and STILL UFC Flyweight Champion Joshua Van via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-47, 49-46)

I do not at all agree with Van getting all five rounds, that’s some BS. Mic time for Van, he thanks God and does the usual inspirational thing. He puts over Pantoja as tough to finish and notes he doesn’t know how Pantoja got out of that scarf hold armlock.

Well on that note UFC 331 comes to a close. Thank you all for reading, be that live or after the fact. We’ll be unpacking all the fallout from this event on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast plus looking ahead to UFC Fight Night: Rosas vs. Barcelos. I’m not sure I’ll be here next week for coverage, I’ve got to check a few things because I’m either going to miss that one or one in October and it’s still a little unclear which way that’ll go. If I’m here then I hope you’ll be back. Whether it’s next week or in two weeks I do look forward to seeing you all again. In two weeks is UFC 332 which I’ll be here for one way or the other, though that card still isn’t good. But until the next time thank you all again, stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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