6 Fights We Need After UFC 331, Including Arman Tsarukyan vs. Justin Gaethje Title Bout
· Yahoo Sports
On Saturday night, the UFC returned to Paramount+ for their latest numbered event, UFC 331.
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The card inside Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA, was headlined by a flyweight title fight that saw Joshua Van silence the doubters about his controversial championship win last year by scoring a definitive decision win over division legend Alexandre Pantoja. In the night’s co-main event, lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan may have locked up a title opportunity when he scored a knockout win over top-10 fighter Mauricio Ruffy.
In the wake of this weekend’s event, we’re looking at six fights we need to see after UFC 331.
Arman Tsarukyan vs. Justin Gaethje
Many have felt Tsarukyan has been the true No. 1 contender at lightweight for the last few years. However, the Georgian has cost himself opportunities and has been forced to continue to prove his worthiness of a title fight. Well, he did that on Saturday by scoring a nasty KO win over Ruffy.
It is very possible that the UFC rebooks Justin Gaethje vs. Ilia Topuria for the 155-pound belt next. But the fight fans really want to see and should get is Gaethje vs. Tsarukyan.
Joshua Van vs. Manel Kape
If there were any Van doubters left, they were silenced at UFC 331. Yes, his title win last year was questionable after Pantoja suffered a freak injury early in the fight. Well, on Saturday, “The Fearless” got the chance to prove the former champ was not on his level, and he did that using outstanding boxing and an improved takedown defense.
So what should be next for the flyweight king? The obvious choice is Manel Kape. The former Rizin champ has won four straight, all by knockout. Van vs. Kape could be a rare clash of legit 125-pound sluggers and has Fight of the Year potential.
Marlon Vera vs. Umar Nurmagomedov
At UFC 331, former bantamweight title challenger Marlon Vera scored a desperately needed win. The Ecuadorian had lost four straight — although it was to elite competition. But his knockout win on Saturday over Charles Jourdain showed he is still a top-10 fighter in the company.
If the UFC is willing to give Vera elite competition in his next bout, a matchup with Umar Nurmagomedov next makes sense. The Russian is one of the few elite 135ers he hasn’t fought yet, and a win could push him back into the contender conversation.
Alexandre Pantoja vs. Tatsuro Taira
At 36 years old, staying elite at flyweight is very difficult. Trying to beat a fast improving champion like Van is just as hard. While Pantoja certainly had his moments at UFC 331, after five rounds the champ showed he was the better man.
If a trilogy bout isn’t in the cards, what should be next for “The Cannibal?” A clash of recent Van foes between Pantoja and Tatsuro Taira would be interesting. Both are elite talents and the winner getting the Van vs. Kape winner next year makes sense.
Patricio “Pitbull” Freire vs. Arnold Allen
Apr 11, 2026; Miami, Florida, UNITED STATES; Patricio Pitbull (red gloves) fights Aaron Pico (blue gloves) during UFC 327 at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn ImagesAfter three underwhelming performances in his first set of bouts in the UFC, Patricio Pitbull finally got his moment in the sun at UFC 331 when he scored a highlight reel KO over Doo Ho Choi.
The Brazilian doesn’t have a lot of time left in the sport at 39 years old so he should try to get back in the cage soon. A clash with Englishman Arnold Allen could be fun and a good test of if he can be a top-10 fighter in the company.
Mauricio Ruffy vs. Quillan Salkilld
Jun 14, 2026; Washington, D.C., USA; Mauricio Ruffy celebrates after winning against Michael Chandler (not pictured) during UFC Freedom 250 at White House South Lawn. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn ImagesRuffy was on the wrong end of a very tough loss at UFC 331. Despite the setback he remains one of the most exciting fighters at 155 pounds and should get another top-10 fighter in his return.
Ruffy taking on Australian Quillan Salkilld next would deliver fireworks and be a fantastic test to see which rising star actually has what it takes to be a future title challenger.