The UFC returns to downtown Los Angeles on September 19 with a card featuring championship stakes, highly anticipated rematches, and several fighters with Southern California connections.
UFC 331 will take place at Crypto.com Arena, which has not hosted a UFC event since 2018. The main card begins at 6 p.m. PT on Paramount+.
The Rematch
Flyweight champion Joshua Van will defend his title against former champion Alexandre Pantoja in the main event. Their first meeting at UFC 323 ended after just 26 seconds when Pantoja suffered a serious arm injury following a caught kick.
Van has since successfully defended the championship against Tatsuro Taira. Pantoja now returns with an opportunity to reclaim the title he previously defended four times and provide a more conclusive ending to their rivalry.
Los Angeles Roots
Arman Tsarukyan will face Mauricio Ruffy in a five round lightweight contest with major title implications. Tsarukyan brings elite wrestling and control, while Ruffy enters with dangerous striking and momentum following an impressive victory over Michael Chandler.
Renato Moicano and Brian Ortega will also meet in a rematch nearly 10 years after their Fight of the Night performance at UFC 214. Moicano was ahead on the scorecards before Ortega secured a third round submission, handing Moicano his first professional loss.
The matchup carries a strong local connection. Ortega grew up in San Pedro and continues to fight out of Los Angeles, giving him a hometown opportunity at Crypto.com Arena.
Los Angeles native Ozzy Diaz will also face Ryan Gandra, while Glendale native Edmen Shahbazyan meets Brunno Ferreira. Shahbazyan and Tsarukyan should both receive strong support from Southern California’s Armenian American fans.
Other featured matchups include Patricio “Pitbull” Freire against Doo Ho Choi, Gable Steveson against Sean Sharaf, and Tai Tuivasa against Robelis Despaigne.
With championship stakes, important rematches, and multiple local fighters, UFC 331 will mark a significant return to Los Angeles for the promotion.
Fight card and bout order remain subject to change.
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