UFC 331 hits Hollywood tonight, headlined by Joshua Van defending his flyweight title against Alexandre Pantoja at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
With the full card airing on Paramount+, our experts have you covered with their UFC 331 predictions and picks as we break down the latest UFC odds for Saturday, Sept. 19.
UFC 331 expert picks
| Pick |  |
|---|---|
| Van to win | -144 |
| Tsarukyan by decision | +133 |
| Choi by KO/TKO/DQ | +108 |
| Steveson/Sharaf to end by KO | -213 |
| Baraniewski by KO/TKO/DQ | -150 |
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Joshua Van vs Alexandre Pantoja
Prediction: Van to win
-144 at BET99
"Van’s initial title win over Pantoja may have been anticlimactic, but his subsequent performance against Tatsuro Taira showed why the 24-year-old belongs at the top of the division. Van defended takedowns well, remained composed when Taira did get him down, and steadily took control with his striking.
Pantoja remains an elite grappler, but Van’s defensive wrestling, physicality, and cleaner stand-up give him more ways to win this rematch. Van is my pick."
Read Danny Howard's full Van vs. Pantoja predictions.
Arman Tsarukyan vs Maurico Ruffy
Prediction: Tsarukyan by decision
+133 at BET99
"As dangerous as Ruffy is on his feet, and despite the work he's put into improving his ground game, Tsarukyan is still the better overall fighter. He's heavy-handed, physically strong, difficult to shake off, and a proven finisher. But he won't recklessly engage Ruffy in a firefight.
I expect Tsarukyan to grind on him, sap his explosiveness, and prioritize winning exchanges and rounds rather than chasing a stoppage. Because of that, I'm taking Tsarukyan by decision."
Read Danny Howard's full Tsarukyan vs. Ruffy predictions.
Patrico Pitbull vs Dooho Choi
Prediction: Choi by KO/TKO/DQ
+108 at BET99
"Pitbull still possesses tremendous experience and technical knowledge, but his recent UFC performances suggest his physical tools can no longer consistently support them.
Choi, meanwhile, has stopped each of his last three opponents and owns 14 knockouts in 17 career victories. If Pitbull can't discourage him early, Choi's pressure and heavier combinations should increasingly force the former Bellator champion onto the defensive until the damage finally adds up."
Read Danny Howard's full Pitbull vs. Choi predictions.
Gable Steveson vs Sean Sharaf
Prediction: Fight to end by KO
-213 at BET99
"We’re getting better odds for either fighter to win by KO than for a Steveson KO (73%), so why not cover both bases?
Steveson is 4-0 in his professional MMA career, with each win coming by first-round knockout. Sharaf is 4-2, with all six of his bouts ending by KO.
The massive favorite will be looking for a highlight-reel finish, and if Steveson gets too cocky, Sharaf could also find his chin."
Read Danny Howard's full Steveson vs. Sharaf predictions.
Alonzo Menifield vs Iwo Baraniewski
Prediction: Baraniewski by KO/TKO/DQ
-150 at BET99
"Baraniewski is a hyper-aggressive striker who hunts down his prey, and Menifield is not one to shy away from a fight.
We saw Menifield take a ton of big shots from Zhang in his last tilt before finding a knockout finish of his own, but Baraniewski’s power is on another level.
Baraniewski has never seen the second round in his nine professional fights, finishing each of his last seven via knockout. If Menifield is willing to stand and trade in the pocket again, he’ll quickly feel Baraniewski’s knockout power."
Read Chris Faria's full Menifield vs. Baraniewski predictions.
