Van Defends Title At UFC 331 As Tsarukyan Earns Shot

Joshua Van ended his rivalry with Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 331, defending his flyweight title with what MMA Fighting called a spectacular performance in the main event.

The title defense capped a card that saw Arman Tsarukyan secure a lightweight championship opportunity against Justin Gaethje by stopping Mauricio Ruffy in the co-main event. The finish has already drawn knockout of the year consideration, according to the report.

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to UFC Fight Night: Rosas Jr. vs Barcelos on Ticketmaster →

Tsarukyan's Path To Gaethje Title Fight

Tsarukyan's victory over Ruffy marked his most explosive finish yet and cleared his path to challenge Gaethje for the 155-pound strap. The card represented a breakthrough night for both headliners, with Van cementing his status atop the flyweight division and Tsarukyan finally earning the title shot he has chased throughout 2026.

The UFC returns to the APEX this weekend for a Fight Night card headlined by Raul Rosas Jr. against Raoni Barcelos. Meanwhile, BKFC stages Darren Till versus Yoel Romero on Saturday, and Misfits Boxing features Henry Cejudo and Tony Ferguson competing in separate bouts.

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to UFC Fight Night: Rosas Jr. vs Barcelos on Ticketmaster →

In heavyweight boxing, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will meet December 11 on Netflix after the long-awaited matchup was made official this week.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — BTL LIVE NOW!: UFC 331 fallout, Van and Tsarukyan shine, Steveson stumbles, Fury vs. Joshua