Frank Knows: UFC 331 Predictions & Betting Preview

The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to our screens this weekend with UFC 331.

The Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, provides the setting. Fight fans can follow the prelims and main card live on TNT Sports, HBO Max or Paramount+.

It’s the UFC’s sixth visit to LA, and the first in over eight years. Followers hope it’ll be worth the wait, and the programme suggests this one will live up to expectations.

Renato Moicano and Brian Ortega were all set for a mouth-watering lightweight rematch in the main event of UFC 331. Unfortunately, the former UFC featherweight title challenger Brian Ortega withdrew with an eye injury, so fans will have to wait a little longer for that one.

Joshua Van defends his UFC flyweight title against Alexandre Pantoja in the main event. Fans can bet on several markets or look for value on the undercard.

Former professional fighter Frankie Monkhouse offers his UFC 331 preview and predictions to Nostrabet UK followers.

Joshua Van v Alexandre Pantoja

UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van is a Burmese fighter based in Houston, Texas.

The 24-year-old brings a professional MMA record of 17 wins against 2 defeats. He has beaten 11 opponents inside the distance, 9 by KO and 2 by submission, with 6 victories coming on points. Van has also lost once by KO and again by submission.

The Fearless arrives on a seven-fight winning streak. In his previous three bouts, he won Performance of the Night on UFC 317, claimed the UFC title on UFC 323, and defended it with a Fight of the Night performance on UFC 328.

Van has won each of his last two by KO/TKO, and a third will be popular with bettors.

Brazilian Alexandre Pantoja is a 36-year-old fighting out of Arraial do Cabo in his home nation.

The Cannibal has 30 wins and 6 losses on his CV. He has won 12 by submission, 8 by KO, and 10 on points. He has also lost once by KO/TKO and five times on points.

It’s important to remember that Pantoja lost to Van last time out. Joshua won by TKO due to an arm injury, leaving fans with more questions than answers. Those will be settled on fight night, but who comes out on top?

Will the headliner from UFC 331 end in a repeat or revenge?

Now that Van has the title, I don’t see him losing it to Pantoja. The first meeting lasted less than 30 seconds, but I’m confident the return will be far more exciting.

You’ll get odds of around 4/5 on the champion keeping hold of his belt, and that’s worth a place in your fight night accumulators and Bet Builders. The odds are better than I expected, making Joshua a smart pick.

Looking for a shot at higher odds? The method of victory has plenty to hold our interest.

You can back Van to win by KO/TKO for the third fight in a row at 7/4, a price that’s generally available.

Arman Tsarukyan v Mauricio Ruffy

Finishing my UFC 331 betting preview and predictions, I shine the spotlight on the best the undercard has to offer in Los Angeles.

Arman Tsarukyan faces Mauricio Ruffy, who was a late replacement for Charles Oliveira.

Arman steps into the octagon on a five-bout winning streak. He submitted the experienced Dan Hooker in Qatar late last year, earning a Performance of the Night bonus. Tsarukyan also beat Oliveira by split decision at UFC 300.

The 29-year-old Georgian faces Ruffy, a 30-year-old Brazilian with 14 wins and 2 defeats. He was beaten by Benoit Saint Denis by submission 12 months ago, but bounced back to score two quick-fire stoppage wins.

Tsarukyan v Ruffy will be another fantastic bout, but the Brazilian is stepping back up in class, and I’m picking the Georgian to win by KO/TKO. Odds of 2/1 are generally available, and that’s good enough to trust as a single.

Good luck if you follow my picks, and enjoy UFC 331.