Overview
- The rematch between champion Joshua Van and former titleholder Alexandre Pantoja is scheduled for Sept. 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles as the UFC 331 main event.
- Van captured the belt in 26 seconds at UFC 323 when Pantoja suffered an elbow injury and then defended the title with a TKO of Tatsuro Taira, moves that have shaped debate over his legitimacy.
- Pantoja says he has changed his preparation, improved his diet and training, and is focused on reclaiming the belt he did not lose in a conventional way.
- UFC 331 features a stacked card with a five-round lightweight co-main of Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy and will stream on Paramount+ in the U.S. with regional broadcast options in the U.K.
- Former champion Henry Cejudo has re-entered the conversation by claiming he helped preserve the 125-pound division and publicly backing Pantoja, a comment that frames the fight in the division’s recent history and stakes.