The biggest story at UFC 331 on September 19, 2026, was undoubtedly the seismic upset delivered by Sean Sharaf, who knocked out the heavily favored Gable Steveson just twelve seconds into their heavyweight clash. This stunning result sent shockwaves through the division and immediately became the night's most talked-about moment, overshadowing even the main event.
Main Event: Van Claims Flyweight Gold Over Pantoja
In the night's headliner, Joshua Van secured a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Alexandre Pantoja in their flyweight championship rematch. Van, who entered the bout as the slight betting favorite, proved his mettle over five grueling rounds to retain his title. The fight showcased a tactical battle, with both fighters demonstrating resilience and skill, but ultimately, Van's performance was enough to convince the judges.
This victory further solidifies Van's position at the top of the flyweight division, marking a significant step in his career trajectory. For Pantoja, the loss represents a setback in his quest to reclaim the championship, leaving him with a record of 14 wins and 5 losses. The bout, while not a finish, was a testament to the competitive nature of the flyweight landscape.
Van's win, coming after a previous victory where he was favored, reinforces his status as a formidable champion. The rematch was highly anticipated, and Van delivered a performance that will be remembered as a key moment in his championship reign, moving his own record to 11 wins and 1 loss.
Upset Special: Sharaf Knocks Out Steveson
The most shocking moment of UFC 331 arrived early in the heavyweight division when Sean Sharaf, a massive underdog at 13.3-to-1, delivered a thunderous knockout blow to Gable Steveson just twelve seconds into the first round. Steveson, who was widely expected to dominate, was caught cold, and Sharaf capitalized with a devastating punch. This result dramatically alters the perception of both fighters, with Sharaf now holding a significant scalp and Steveson facing his first professional defeat, moving his record to 1-1-0.
Pitbull Soars Over Choi in Featherweight Clash
Patricio Pitbull, entering as a 2.5-to-1 underdog, pulled off a significant upset in the featherweight division, stopping Dooho Choi with punches in the first round at 3:28. Pitbull showcased his veteran savvy and power, overcoming the odds to secure a crucial victory. Choi, who was the betting favorite, was unable to withstand Pitbull's offense, marking a disappointing night for his camp and moving his record to 6-4-0.
Menifield Outlasts Baraniewski in Light Heavyweight Bout
Alonzo Menifield secured a split decision win over Iwo Baraniewski in a closely contested light heavyweight bout that went the distance. Menifield, who was the underdog, demonstrated grit and determination to overcome Baraniewski's challenge. The fight saw both men exchange blows over three rounds, with the judges ultimately siding with Menifield, who improves his record to 12-6-0.
Vera Finishes Jourdain in Bantamweight Showdown
Marlon Vera staged a comeback victory against Charles Jourdain, securing a knockout win in the third round at 2:02. Vera, who was the underdog in this bantamweight contest, rallied after a tough start to land a decisive blow. The finish marked a significant win for Vera, who moves his professional record to 16-11-0, while Jourdain's record slips to 9-8-0.
Tsarukyan Dominates Ruffy with First-Round KO
Arman Tsarukyan asserted his dominance in the lightweight division, dispatching Mauricio Ruffy with a spectacular elbow knockout in the first round at 4:56. Tsarukyan, the clear betting favorite, lived up to expectations with a powerful and precise finish. The victory was a statement performance from Tsarukyan, who continues to climb the lightweight rankings, improving his record to 11-2-0.
Undercard Action
The undercard of UFC 331 also featured several exciting finishes and notable performances. Joanderson Brito kicked off the night with a first-round knockout over Giga Chikadze. Ryan Gandra also secured an early finish, knocking out Ozzy Diaz in the first round. Robelis Despaigne took a decision win against Tai Tuivasa, while Casey O'Neill submitted Eduarda Moura in the first round. Edmen Shahbazyan earned a decision victory over Brunno Ferreira, and Michael Aswell Jr. also won by decision against JooSang Yoo.
UFC 331: Van vs. Pantoja 2 — full results
| Winner | Defeated | Method | Finish | Pre-fight odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joshua Van | Alexandre Pantoja | U-DEC | R5 5:00 | Favourite (58%) |
| Sean Sharaf UPSET | Gable Steveson | KO/TKO Punch | R1 0:12 | 13.3-to-1 underdog (7%) |
| Patricio Pitbull UPSET | Dooho Choi | KO/TKO Punches | R1 3:28 | 2.5-to-1 underdog (29%) |
| Alonzo Menifield UPSET | Iwo Baraniewski | S-DEC | R3 5:00 | 2.2-to-1 underdog (32%) |
| Marlon Vera UPSET | Charles Jourdain | KO/TKO Punch | R3 2:02 | 1.9-to-1 underdog (35%) |
| Arman Tsarukyan | Mauricio Ruffy | KO/TKO Elbow | R1 4:56 | Favourite (73%) |
| Joanderson Brito | Giga Chikadze | KO/TKO Punches | R1 1:57 | Heavy favourite (79%) |
| Ryan Gandra | Ozzy Diaz | KO/TKO Punch | R1 2:04 | Heavy favourite (82%) |
| Robelis Despaigne | Tai Tuivasa | S-DEC | R3 5:00 | Heavy favourite (80%) |
| Casey O'Neill | Eduarda Moura | SUB Armbar | R1 3:22 | Favourite (68%) |
| Edmen Shahbazyan | Brunno Ferreira | U-DEC | R3 5:00 | Favourite (64%) |
| Michael Aswell Jr. | JooSang Yoo | S-DEC | R3 5:00 | — |
Pre-fight odds are the closing Polymarket prices before the card started; percentages are market-implied win probability.
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