UFC 331 is set to make waves in Australia, headlined by a thrilling flyweight title rematch between champion Joshua Van and former titleholder Alexandre Pantoja. The event takes place on September 20 (local time in Australia), with the main card kicking off at 11:00 AM AEST. Fans can catch all the action on Main Event (Foxtel/Kayo) and Paramount+ for the prelims and early prelims. The co-main event features a pivotal lightweight clash between Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy, with title implications hanging in the balance.
The main event has sparked plenty of debate, particularly around the betting odds. Former UFC middleweight champion Rob Whittaker, speaking on Main Event’s ‘Fight Week’, said it “boggles the mind” that Pantoja is the betting outsider. However, Whittaker also noted that Van’s last performance showed enough to suggest Sunday’s bout will be a very even affair. With both fighters eager to prove a point, the flyweight title picture could shift dramatically.
The co-main event carries its own significance, as Tsarukyan and Ruffy collide over five rounds for a shot at the lightweight No. 1 contender spot. Tsarukyan, a perennial top contender, looks to rebound, while Ruffy brings surging momentum and knockout power. The stakes are immense, and the winner could be next in line for a title shot.
Unfortunately, the card took a hit during fight week when Brian Ortega’s lightweight bout with Renato Moicano was pulled due to injury. The lineup was trimmed by one fight, moving every remaining main card bout up a slot. Despite this, UFC 331 remains a must-watch event, with a deep card featuring the likes of Patricio Pitbull vs. Dooho Choi, Gable Steveson vs
Shimanta Das 
