The rematch between Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja is the main event of UFC 331, and it will answer many questions. Pantoja dislocated his elbow 26 seconds into the first fight after Van caught his head-kick attempt and pushed him to the mat. Fans did not get to see the fight play out, but they’re running it back with the title on the line. There are also several ranked fighters on the card, which should make for an exciting evening. The card starts at 5:30 p.m. ET, and the main card kicks off at 9:00 p.m. ET on Paramount+. Below are my top UFC 331 picks.
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UFC 331 Picks & Predictions: Van vs. Pantoja 2 (2026)
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Joshua Van Betting Preview (-135)
Joshua Van (17-2) did not wait for Alexandre Pantoja to recover for the rematch. He fought Tatsuro Taira at UFC 328 in May and won via knockout in the fifth round to defend his belt for the first time. That extended his winning streak to seven victories, and he is still only 24.
Van lands 8.43 significant strikes and absorbs 5.82 significant strikes per minute in the UFC. He averages only 0.82 takedowns landed per 15 minutes and defends 75% of opponents' takedowns.
Alexandre Pantoja Betting Preview (+114)
Alexandre Pantoja (30-6) has not fought since he lost his title to Van in December 2025. He avoided major surgery and recovered through targeted rehabilitation after doctors determined his ligaments were intact. He had won eight consecutive fights before losing his belt, including four title defenses after winning it by beating Brandon Moreno in 2023.
Pantoja lands 4.38 significant strikes and absorbs 3.88 significant strikes per minute. He averages 2.79 takedowns landed per 15 minutes in the UFC, while defending 69% of opponents' takedowns. He averages 1.0 submission attempt per 15 minutes, including six submission victories in the UFC.
Van vs. Pantoja 2 Prediction
Joshua Van has not received much respect from sportsbooks, despite holding the belt. He came in as an underdog in his first defense against Tatsuro Taira, and was an even bigger underdog in the first fight against Alexandre Pantoja. The 24-year-old has quickly become one of the best strikers in the UFC and is still improving, but he is only a slight favorite against Pantoja in this fight.
Not much happened in the first fight before Pantoja's injury, but Van answered many questions in the Taira bout. Taira landed eight out of 21 takedowns in the fight, but Van got back to his feet quickly in most rounds. He did not just get back to his feet, either. Van let go of his hands and damaged Taira. He landed 131 significant strikes to Taira's 55 and scored two knockdowns in the second and third rounds before finishing him in the fifth.
Pantoja is an excellent striker, but he does his best work on the mat. He wants to get the fight to the mat and control opponents until he can lock in a submission. He has won four of his last eight fights via submission. Van has had two full training camps to prepare for Pantoja and has proven he can handle a fighter like Pantoja in Taira.
Van's striking is elite. He lands strikes to all three levels. He mixes it up to the head, body and legs really well. I expect Van to target Pantoja's body a lot, especially to make Pantoja worry while shooting takedowns. The more he throws hard body strikes, the more Pantoja worries as he lowers his level to take him down.
Pantoja is a veteran and should not be uncomfortable in the octagon after a little layoff. He may be worried about his injured arm, but Pantoja has showcased an elite mindset in 36 professional fights. Van is a quick starter and does not stop for five rounds, so Pantoja cannot waste time trying to find his timing. Van is the better fighter and finally gets the chance to show the world that the first fight was no fluke.
Bet: Joshua Van Moneyline (-135)
