Published 24 days ago
UFC 331: Pantoja and Van clash for the flyweight title
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Seven Brazilians, including Alexandre Pantoja and Maurício Ruffy, made weight for UFC 331 with minimal gaps. Pantoja faces Joshua Van for the flyweight title in a highly anticipated rematch, while Ruffy could pull off an upset against Arman Tsarukyan.
To remember:
- Seven Brazilians in action at UFC 331, with Alexandre Pantoja headlining.
- Pantoja and Van both weigh in at 56.7 kg for their flyweight title fight.
- Raffael Ruiz (70.3 kg) faces Arman Tsarukyan (70.7 kg), the lightweight favorite.
- Pantoja seeks revenge after their first fight was stopped in December 2025.
- Maurício Ruffy could pull off an upset and move closer to a lightweight title fight.
UFC 331 is shaping up to be an all-Brazilian event, with seven fighters from the country in action. Among them, Alexandre Pantoja, the undefeated flyweight champion, who faces Joshua Van in a title fight. Their first encounter, in December 2025, was stopped after just 26 seconds due to a Pantoja injury. This time, the Brazilian is determined to go the distance and definitively claim the belt.
The weigh-in revealed a surprise: Pantoja and Van both tipped the scales at 56.7 kg, promising an even more balanced duel. The weight gaps between the other Brazilian fighters and their opponents are also minimal, with, for example, Raffael Ruiz (70.3 kg) facing Arman Tsarukyan (70.7 kg). The latter remains the favorite, but Ruiz could pull off an upset and move closer to a world title shot in the lightweight division.
Brazil in Top Form for UFC 331
With seven representatives, Brazil confirms its dominance in the sport. Maurício Ruffy, in contention for a future title fight, weighed in at 70.3 kg. Opposite him, Tsarukyan, slightly heavier, is the favorite. Yet, MMA history is full of upsets, and Ruffy could well play the spoiler.
As for Pantoja, he has everything to prove after his first fight was cut short. A win here could solidify his legitimacy and open the door to an even longer reign. The stakes are high, and Brazilian fans have plenty to get excited about.
UFC 331 is shaping up to be a major event for Brazil, with close fights and massive stakes. Between revenge, upsets, and local dominance, fans have plenty to look forward to.