As expected, the grand UFC 331 lived up to its status and provided memorable moments for MMA fans. At the event held last Saturday (19), in California (USA), Brazil fared poorly in the two main fights, with Alexandre Pantoja and Mauricio Ruffy losing to champion Joshua Van and Arman Tsarukyan , respectively, by unanimous decision and knockout in the first round. As several prominent fighters performed, SUPER LUTAS projected what the next step of the group in the company might be.
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Joshua Van – In the rematch against Alexandre Pantoja , the Burmese fighter impressed and, this time, won in a real fight. In December, Pantoja lost due to an arm injury suffered 26 seconds into the fight, but now the flyweight champion (up to 56,7 kg) prevailed and won by unanimous decision. It's worth noting that this was Van's second title defense in the category, and he has already indicated who he intends to face. Therefore, there's no mystery. The chance of the athlete facing the dangerous Manel Kape is high.
Alexandre Pantoja – Despite being the former king of the flyweight division, the Brazilian, now a veteran and with two consecutive losses to Van, should take time off to recover from the years and rediscover his form. Therefore, it's natural that the Brazilian will face a more accessible opponent, such as ranked fighters Sumudaerji , Mitch Raposo , or Rei Tsuruya.
Arman Tsarukyan knocked out Mauricio Ruffy at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Arman Tsarukyan – There's no secret here. Even though Ilia Topuria has started a campaign to get an immediate rematch against champion Justin Gaethje , the truth is that, having been punished by him in June, he doesn't deserve such an opportunity. In fact, the one who earned his place as the number one contender in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg) and continues to prove his worth is the Armenian, who is one of the most feared fighters in the division.
Mauricio Ruffy – The Brazilian tried to surprise Tsarukyan and even startled the favorite, but he became careless and ended up being knocked out in the first round via elbows. Now, naturally, the Brazilian, who dreamed of entering the top 5 of the lightweight division, will have to take steps back and probably face an athlete who is in the lower part of the ranking, such as Jalin Turner or Tofiq Musayev.
Patrício Pitbull knocked out Choi at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Patrício Pitbull – In the featherweight division (up to 65,8 kg), the Bellator icon achieved a remarkable victory by knocking out Doo-ho Choi in the first round. Excited and confident that he has what it takes to overcome the best fighters in the category, Pitbull challenged his compatriot Jean Silva . However, the fight is unlikely to be scheduled. In any case, to solidify his place among the elite, the veteran could face Steve Garcia.
UFC 331 results
MAIN CARD
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Joshua Van defeated Alexandre Pantoja by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-47, 50-45) and defended his title.
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Arman Tsarukyan defeated Mauricio Ruffy by knockout (elbow strike) at 4:56 of round 1.
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Patricio Pitbull defeated Dooho Choi by knockout (punches) at 3:28 of round 1.
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Sean Sharaf defeated Gable Stevenson by knockout (punch) at 12 seconds of round 1.
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Alonzo Menifield defeated Iwo Baraniewski by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Marlon Vera defeated Charles Jourdain by technical knockout (punches) at 2:02 of round 3.
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Robelis Despaigne defeated Tai Tuivasa by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Michael Aswell Jr. defeated Joo Sang Yoo by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Ryan Gandra defeated Ozzy Diaz by knockout (punches) at 2:04 of round 1.
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Edmen Shahbazyan defeated Brunno Hulk by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Casey O'Neill defeated Eduarda Ronda by submission (armbar) at 3:22 of round 1.
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Joanderson Tubarão defeated Giga Chikadze by knockout (punches) at 1:57 of round 1.
Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.
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