UFC 331 in Los Angeles just dropped one of the wildest fight cards of the year, but Arman Tsarukyan’s Round 1 knockout of Mauricio Ruffy cemented him as Justin Gaethje’s biggest threat for the lightweight title. The division’s No. 2-ranked fighter entered UFC 331 more popular than he’s ever been and needed to make his case for a title shot undeniable. He did exactly that, and honestly, anything other than gold would be an insult for everything this guy has done inside and outside the Octagon.
Tsarukyan’s Unbelievable Comeback and Title Shot
This was an absolutely bonkers performance from Tsarukyan. Seriously, it was efficient, an unexpected highlight-reel finish, and he overcame some serious adversity in less than one full round. He could not have had a better audition for a UFC lightweight title fight. Tsarukyan was at serious risk of doctor intervention after Ruffy’s one big punch nearly swelled his eye shut. Barely anyone, and I mean *barely anyone*, expected him to finish Ruffy, who’s a renowned striker and a tremendous knockout artist, especially not with a nasty pair of elbows. But he did it. There is no one more deserving of a shot at that lightweight belt.
Joshua Van Kicks Off a Golden Era
Then there was the main event, an absolutely thrilling five-round scrap between UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja. The flyweight division rarely gets a dramatic feud like the one spun by these rivals, and Van delivered a truly star-cementing performance. He’s emerging as a top talent, no doubt, and it looks like Van is about to lead a golden era for the often-overlooked flyweight division. Even better, there’s an obvious title challenger already waiting: Manel Kape. Kape has obscene power for a flyweight, finishing his last four opponents, and this is a mouth-watering fight. Van’s got the finesse, Kape brings the one-shot power. It’s a fight that could go either way, but there’s no way it’s boring.
What’s Next for Pantoja?
As for Alexandre Pantoja, if he was ever going to beat Van, it had to be on Saturday. The champion will only improve exponentially as Pantoja, the veteran, declines. He might be the second-best flyweight ever, but it’ll take Van time to match that. The consensus is the division is ready to move on from him. A good next step for Pantoja could be Asu Almabayev. He’s a potential new player in the division, but far enough in the rankings that you’re not risking an immediate title contender. It’s a chance for Pantoja to show more life, or it’s the next step in the flyweight life cycle.
The lightweight division is on notice with Tsarukyan’s undeniable claim to gold, and the flyweights just kicked off an epic new chapter with Van at the helm. Get ready for some fireworks!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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