MMA
UFC 331 Best Bets: Joshua Van vs. Alexandre Pantoja 2 goes the distance
Credit: Zuffa LLCUFC 331 features three wagers you should definitely put money on ahead of Joshua Van vs. Alexandre Pantoja 2.
UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van and former titleholder Alexandre Pantoja will renew their rivalry in the Octagon this Saturday at UFC 331. After Pantoja lost the title due to an injury suffered against Van at UFC 323, the two flyweights will run it back in one of the biggest fights of 2026.
The UFC 331 co-main event features a top lightweight contender matchup between Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy. The winner could be next for undisputed lightweight champion Justin Gaethje's first title defense, if he opts to continue competing.
While the top two fights at UFC 331 are sure to draw plenty of eager eyes, the card also features many other intriguing matchups. The UFC's return to Los Angeles and the Intuit Dome is expected to deliver in many ways.
UFC 331 is also expected to be a popular bet in sportsbooks around the United States. Ahead of the action, here are a few wagers you should consider for UFC 331.
All odds courtesy of BetOnline.
Joshua Van vs. Alexandre Pantoja OVER 4.5 RDs (+145)
Van and Pantoja will clash in one of the biggest fights in UFC flyweight history in the UFC 331 headliner. Pantoja returns to the cage for the first time since suffering an injury against Van in their first fight.
Since their first showdown, Van defended the flyweight title in an instant classic against Tatsuro Taira at UFC 328. It was regarded as one of the greatest fights, regardless of division, in UFC history.
While Van and Pantoja's first matchup didn't last long, don't expect the same result to come to fruition in their rematch. Van, a technical boxer, will give Pantoja a crafty puzzle for the all-time great flyweight to solve.
But Van also showed off impressive submission defense in his come-from-behind win over Taira earlier this year. While Van isn't much of an offensive grappler, he showed the ability to get out of multiple submission attempts as Taira attempted to stop the fight.
Before recent submission wins over Kai Kara-France and Kai Asakura, Pantoja fought in three consecutive title bouts that went the full five rounds. This includes tightly contested decision wins over former titleholder Brandon Moreno and Steve Erceg.
While Van and Pantoja have the ability to stop the fight at any moment, their stylistic differences could lead to a slower-paced fight in the early rounds. Expect another instant classic at UFC 331.
Ryan Gandra by KO (-265)
UFC middleweight prospect Ryan Gandra will fight for the third time in 2026 against former LFA middleweight champ Ozzy Diaz. After his first two UFC fights lasted a combined 1:56, Gandra is looking for another blistering knockout at UFC 331.
Gandra, a Dana White's Contender Series alum, has won four consecutive fights by first-round knockout. His current knockout streak includes his UFC contract-clinching win over Trent Miller on DWCS in August 2025.
But Diaz also has a knack for fast starts in recent wins over Chuck Campbell and Bevon Lewis. However, knockout losses to Ateba Gautier and Joe Pyfer showed massive holes in the former LFA titleholder's stand-up.
After a quick turnaround following his last win, Gandra will likely look to get off to another fast start against Diaz. Once that happens, the fight could end in mere seconds unless Diaz is able to fend off Gandra's early barrage, making a quick knockout win a solid anchor bet.
Tai Tuivasa vs. Robelis Despaigne UNDER 1.5 RDs (-260)
Heavyweights Robelis Despaigne and Tai Tuivasa will look to turn the page on their recent UFC struggles. True to their styles, don't expect the fight to last long.
Despaigne returns to the UFC after knocking out former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos at Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano earlier this year. The Olympic bronze medalist in Taekwondo got off to a fast start to his hyped UFC career, before back-to-back sluggish losses to Austen Lane and Waldo Cortes-Acosta.
Meanwhile, Tuivasa is looking to regain the form that made him a Top 5 heavyweight. The UFC fan favorite has lost seven consecutive fights entering UFC 331, making the Despaigne fight a must-win for his Mixed Martial Arts future.
Despaigne and Tuivasa share a lot of similarities. They both like to get off to fast starts, and both have question marks surrounding their gas tanks in the Octagon.
As such, it's very likely Despaigne vs. Tuivasa won't make it past Round 1. The high-percentage play at a modest line makes the under 1.5 rounds a safe leg.
What's your prediction for Joshua Van vs. Alexandre Pantoja 2? Share your thoughts in the comments!
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
MMA
Christian Leroy Duncan's coach reveals they asked for Brendan Allen ahead of UFC Vegas 122: 'The top of Christian’s list'
Christian Leroy Duncan is set to headline UFC Vegas 122 against Brendan Allen on Saturday.
Duncan has been on a roll as he's won five straight fights and is now set for his first UFC main event. However, he is fighting ahead of him in the rankings, and Duncan enters the bout as a +108 underdog on FanDuel.
Although Duncan is the underdog, he and his team have full confidence. The confidence is shown by the fact that they asked the UFC for this matchup, as this was the fight they wanted, according to his coach Mark Weir.
“He (Allen) was at the top of Christian's list,†Weir told BloodyElbow. “Every time we fight, we send a top five list over to the UFC. The war room is on a Tuesday, so we do it literally straight away. We never expect to get the number one pick, but we ask anyway.â€
The UFC agreed with Duncan's ask and made the fight the headliner on the Fight Night card on Saturday. It's also a pivotal fight for the middleweight division as the winner will be right in the title mix.
Christian Leroy Duncan is getting what he asked for
Not only did Christian Leroy Duncan ask to fight Brendan Allen at UFC Vegas 122, but he's asked for his last couple of opponent.
Duncan is coming off a decision win over Jared Cannonier, which is a fight that the Brit also asked for and got.
“If I remember rightly, I think the last three times we've asked for someone, they've been given to us. We are aiming high and there's a risk factor for everyone who's fighting but so far, Christian's done his job,†Weir added.
Duncan enters UFC Vegas 122 with a record of 15-2 and is coming off a decision win over Jared Cannonier. He's 8-2 in the UFC with notable wins over Roman Dolidze and Eryk Anders, but this fight against Allen will be his toughest test.
Do you think Christian Leroy Duncan will beat Brendan Allen at UFC Vegas 122?
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
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