UFC 331 takes place this Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The card is headlined by a flyweight title rematch between champion Joshua Van and former champion Alexandre Pantoja, with a stacked supporting lineup featuring title contenders and rising talent.

The event streams live on Paramount+. Early prelims begin around 5:30 PM ET, prelims at 7:00 PM ET, and the main card starts at 9:00 PM ET.

UFC 331 Predictions & Picks: Saturday, September 19th

Here are my top predictions and best bets for the card.

Joshua Van vs. Alexandre Pantoja

Pick: Joshua Van

When this first matchup took place, I was on Alexandre Pantoja by submission, but age comes for everyone, and I believe this is the beginning of the end for Pantoja.  Van’s striking is incredible, and it isn’t one-punch power but rather that he will drown you in volume.  Van has landed 200+ significant strikes in fights, including one that was only three rounds against Brandon Royval.  I do think Pantoja is tough enough and will have enough success to get this fight to decision, but this will be the young kid holding onto his belt against the old vet.

  • Prediction: Joshua Van by Decision +350

 Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy

Pick: Arman Tsarukyan

Arman has to hold Ruffy at bay for the first five minutes, but after that he should be able to get his wrestling going.  Arman has stated he will get the finish in the second or third round, and that is how I see this fight going.  I am taking Arman by submission in Round 2 or 3 once he wears Ruffy down, especially since we haven’t seen Ruffy prove that he can stop a chain wrestler.

  • Prediction: Arman Tsarukyan by Submission +350

Iwo Baranowski vs Alonso Menifield

Pick: Alonso Menifield

Alonso has almost as much power as Iwo, but he isn’t as aggressive.  If Iwo is going to put his body in harm's way and recklessly enter the pocket, Menifield should be able to land a couple of clean punches.  This fight is going to end inside the distance, and with that almost being a guarantee, I’ll take a chance on a longshot with Menifield winning by KO.

  • Prediction: Menifield by KO +460

 

 


 

Fans in the United States can stream UFC 331 live on Paramount+.

  • Date -  Saturday, September 19, 2026  
  • Location - Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California  
  • Early Prelims: 5:30 PM ET  
  • Prelims: 7:00 PM ET  
  • Main Card: 9:00 PM ET  
  • Streaming Platform: Paramount+  
  • Main Event: Joshua Van (c) vs. Alexandre Pantoja (Flyweight Title)  
  • Co-Main Event: Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy  

UFC 331 Odds & Score $300 Promo At DraftKings

Check current odds for Van vs. Pantoja 2 and the full card at DraftKings. New users can often claim a $300 promo when signing up—use it to back the best bets listed above before lines move closer to fight time.