UFC 331 is headlined by the flyweight title rematch between Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja, with a stacked card supporting the main event. We’ve analysed every fight, with our tips, best bets and value selections across the entire card.
Joanderson Brito vs Giga chikadze
I think Brito’s pressure and grappling will be too much for Chikadze. Giga is dangerous on the feet, but if Brito can close the distance and get the fight to the ground, I think he finds the finish in the second round.
Pick: Joanderson Brito by submission, Round 2
Casey O’Neill vs Eduarda Moura
I think O’Neill’s higher striking volume, better cardio and more UFC experience will be the difference. Moura is the stronger grappler and should have success with her takedowns, but if O’Neill can keep getting back to her feet, her pressure and work should help her win a close decision.
Pick: Casey O’Neill by decision
Edmen Shahbazyan vs Brunno Ferreira
I think Shahbazyans height, cleaner striking and accuracy will give Ferreira big problems. Ferreira is dangerous early and could hurt him, but if Edmen survives the first round rush, I think he starts finding Ferreira’s chin as he comes forward and gets the finish in Round 2.
My prediction: Edmen Shahbazyan by KO/TKO, Round 2.
Ryan Gandra vs Ozzy Diaz
Gandra should be able to overwhelm Diaz early with his pressure and major power. Diaz has the size and reach advantage, but he has struggled badly against all heavy punchers he’s fought and all four of his losses have come by knockout. I expect Gandra to close the distance, force Diaz back and finish him early in the opening round.
Pick: Ryan Gandra by KO/TKO, Round 1
Micheal Aswell Jr vs Joosang Yoo
I think Yoo’s accuracy, reach and his counter striking will be too sharp. Aswell brings heavy pressure but gets hit a lot, and I expect Yoo to catch him coming forward and finish him in Round 2.
Pick: JooSang Yoo by KO/TKO, Round 2
Tai Tuivasa vs Robelis Despaigne – HUGE UNDERDOG PICK
I’m backing Tai for the upset. Despaigne is dangerous early, but Austen Lane showed he can be beaten by taking away his space with takedowns and control. If Tai survives the first round and pressures him up close, I think he finds the finish in Round 2.
Upset Pick: Tai Tuivasa by KO/TKO, Round 2
Marlon Vera vs Charles Jourdain
I think Jourdain’s speed, volume and current form will be enough to outwork Chito over three rounds. Vera is extremely durable and carries more power, especially late, but his slow starts have cost him recently. I expect Jourdain to bank the early rounds and survive a strong late push from Chito.
Pick: Charles Jourdain by decision
Alonzo Menifield vs Iwo Baraniewski
I think Iwo’s speed, pressure and power will overwhelm Menifield early. Menifield has more UFC experience and could cause problems if he survives Round 1, but Iwo has finished all nine of his opponents in the first round. Early finish expected.
Pick: Iwo Baraniewski by KO/TKO, Round 1
Gable Steveson vs Sean Sharaf
I think Gable’s elite wrestling and explosiveness will be too much for Sharaf. Sharaf carries dangerous power, but he has been stopped in both UFC fights and really struggles when the pace increases. I expect Gable to pressure him early and get another first round finish.
Pick: Gable Steveson by KO/TKO, Round 1
Patricio Pitbull vs Dooho Choi
I think Choi’s size, speed and output will be the difference. Pitbull has a huge experience and grappling advantage and could cause problems with takedowns, but Choi is in better form. I think Choi will keep it mostly standing and outwork Pitbull over three rounds.
Pick: Dooho Choi by decision
Arman Tsarukyan vs Mauricio Ruffy
Ruffy is one of the most dangerous strikers in the division and has the speed, timing and power to seriously hurt Arman early. However, I think Arman’s wrestling, cardio and experience against elite competition will eventually take over. We have already seen Ruffy struggle when pressured and forced to grapple, and Arman is one of the best at chaining takedowns together. I expect Arman to survive the early danger, wear Ruffy down with constant pressure and control, then find the submission in Round 3.
Pick: Arman Tsarukyan by submission, Round 3
Alexandre Pantoja vs Joshua Van
Van’s striking pace and cardio make him extremely dangerous, especially if he can keep the fight standing, but I think Pantoja’s grappling experience is the biggest difference. Van showed against Taira that he can survive difficult positions, but he still gave up his back and had to work hard through multiple grappling exchanges. Pantoja is much more proven at turning those positions into submissions. I expect Van to defend well early, but after constant clinches, takedowns and scrambles, Pantoja should start finding better positions and eventually take the back for the Round 3 submission
