UFC 331 went down last night (Sat., Sept. 19, 2026) inside Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. In the headlining act, Joshua Van defended his UFC Flyweight title by defeating Alexandre Pantoja via unanimous decision in what was a back-and-forth affair (full scorecards here). In the co-main event of the evening, Arman Tsarukyan ended Mauricio Ruffy’s night with a devastating knockout in the very first round (see it here). In further action, Sean Sharaf upset Gable Steveson by knocking him out 12 seconds into the fight (highlights).
Who He Should Face Next: Manel Kape
Now that Van has his second straight title defense, as well as Pantoja in his rear-view mirror, he can look ahead to another tough bout in the form of Kape. “Starboy” is currently ranked No. 2 in the division and is on a four-fight win streak. He is without a doubt the most deserving of the title shot and will give Van a great challenge once they lock horns. Kape is coming off a knockout win over Kyoji Horiguchi (see it here). Van is proving to be a formidable and deserving champion, and could be on his way to superstardom if he can keep performing like he did last night.
Who He Should Face Next: Justin Gaethje title fight
There should absolutely be no denying Tsarukyan for the first crack at Gaethje’s Lightweight title after his performance last night, even as Ilia Topuria starts his campaign for a rematch. Tsarukyan has been working hard to climb his way back to a title fight (and to get out of Dana White’s doghouse) just to be denied now. He has now won six straight fights and could very well overtake the No. 1 spot come next week. It’s a been a longtime coming for “Batman,” and his fight against Gaethje should produce fireworks.
Who He Should Face Next: Arnold Allen
Pitbull secured an impressive knockout win over the very durable Doo Ho Choi in the very first round, putting him at an even 2-2 so far under the UFC banner. He promised he would do better, and he did just that, now it remains to be seen if he can replicate that performance in his next outing. He did call for a bout against Jean Silva, but I just do not see matchmakers booking that one. Allen sounds like a good option as soon as he is ready and able to return to action. Allen was set to face Aaron Pico before he had to bow out with an undisclosed injury.
Who He Should Face Next: Shamil Gaziev
Fresh off the biggest upset of the night, Sharaf earned himself some breathing room after losing his previous two fights. While his win was huge, he can not expect a big fight next, but one against Gaziev should be one he can consider. Gaziev is coming off a knockout win over Kennedy Nzechukwu, which also snapped his two-fight skid. Gaziev hasn’t been able to be too consistent by going just 4-2 inside the Octagon, so this is a nice matchup between two big men just trying to find some rhythm.
Who He Should Face Next: Robert Whittaker
Despite having a badly broken thumb, Menifield managed to defeat a very tough Iwo Baraniewski in what was an all-out back-and-forth brawl. Winner of two straight and four of five overall, Menifield is really coming into his own as of late, which is why a fight against former Middleweight champion, Robert Whittaker, could be in order. Whittaker won in his Light Heavyweight debut earlier this year by defeating Nikita Krylov, his first win in two years. Whittaker is currently ranked No. 12, while Menifield (No. 14), could inch closer to him come next week. Since If Menifield can get a win over a former champion like Whittaker his stock will only grow that much more.
For complete UFC 331 results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.
