Los Angeles has produced plenty of sequels nobody asked for… Joshua Van vs Alexandre Pantoja 2 is not one of them!
The UFC returns to Crypto.com Arena this weekend for UFC 331, where Joshua Van defends the flyweight title against Alexandre Pantoja in a rematch packed with unfinished business. Their first meeting ended after just 26 seconds due to a freak elbow injury, so this time we might actually discover who the better man is.
That championship showdown headlines a 12-fight card featuring Arman Tsarukyan, Mauricio Ruffy, Patricio Pitbull, Dooho Choi, and enough heavyweight chaos to threaten the judges’ evening off.
With title stakes, dangerous underdogs, and UFC odds ranging from reasonable to downright suspicious, there’s plenty to investigate. So, let’s get into my UFC 331 best bets and fight analysis for the complete card.
- Bet on Baraniewski by KO/TKO at 1.71 at ibet.
- Add Despaigne by Round 1 Knockout at 1.71 at ibet.
- Boost your bankroll with our UFC odds at ibet sportsbook.
Looking for more expert sports betting coverage? Visit the ibet betting news blog for UFC previews, betting predictions and analysis across major sporting events.
Before placing your UFC 331 best bets, check the ibet promotions page for current offers that may add value to your fight night selections. You can also visit Dave’s author page for more of his UFC betting analysis including his UFC 331 main event predictions.
UFC 331 Best Bets
Iwo Baraniewski 1.37 (-270) vs. Alonzo Menifield 2.85 (+185)
Matchup Edge: The prospect killer doesn’t have the chin to keep cashing underdog tickets.
Well, well, well… Alonzo Menifield, the same UFC vet that cashed as a +500 and +200 underdog against prospects Oumar Sy and Mingyang Zhang, is back to kill your parlay tickets again. Or is he?
Iwo Baraniewski has something those aforementioned letdowns don’t… some legit speed, and no fear of letting loose during his combinations until the lights turn out.
Baraniewski vs. Menifield Prediction
Am I worried about Baraniewski’s disregard for defense? Not really… At 27 years old, his chin has been solid. For Menifield, who is now 38, the same cannot be said. When he loses, he loses by knockout, and although those aforementioned underdog positions proved the competition wasn’t ready for this vet, I don’t envision him escaping the inevitable this time.
Baraniewski vs. Menifield Best Bet: Baraniewski by KO/TKO 1.71 [-141]
Robelis Despaigne 1.13 (-769) vs. Tai Tuivasa 5.10 (+410)
Matchup Edge: A 7-fight losing streak faces a knockout machine.
Uh-oh, Tai Tuivasa is back, and after seven consecutive losses, he’s extremely thirsty because we haven’t seen a shoey celebration (drinking beer from a shoe) since 2022. That’s a pretty long time to go without a win, and surprisingly, he still has a contract. Unfortunately for him, another loss this weekend might send him to the PFL, and the probability of that outcome doesn’t get any better when looking at his opponent.
Robeliis Despaigne was previously removed from the UFC roster when a lack of grappling experience exposed his inability to hang with the heavyweights. Well, his highlight reel is so damn good, and he kept flatlining opponents outside the promotion that the UFC said, ‘screw this,’ and brought him back.
Despaigne vs. Tuivasa UFC Betting Prediction
France’s Despaigne has a monstrous frame. To match said frame, he has some monstrous power. I also understand he’s very one-dimensional, but to back him this weekend, I believe we’re also fading Tuivasa’s complete downfall. The Aussie slugger returned from a two-year layoff, during which he allegedly weighed well over 300lbs, and this level of unprofessionalism cannot be trusted.
Even if we based this prediction on athleticism alone, these two men are worlds apart, and Tuivasa doesn’t come close. And let’s be honest, without a huge wrestling-focused style, he’ll probably attempt to stand and bang, which will end in a first-round knockout for Despaigne, as it usually does.
Despaigne vs. Tuivasa Best Bet: Despaigne by Round 1 Knockout at 1.71 [-141]
Ryan Gandra 1.15 (-667) vs. Ozzy Diaz 4.75 (+375)
Matchup Edge: Another knockout artist, another quick finish.
I wouldn’t say Ozzy Diaz is the worst addition to the UFC middleweight division of late, but equally, I wouldn’t place him anywhere close to being one of the best. The Kings MMA product is 1-2 inside the octagon, including two knockout losses, and that will be a problem when Ryan Gandra is ready to swing.
Gandra, 31, is 10-1 as a pro and has already clocked two knockout wins in 2026 for a total time in the octagon of 1 minute, 56 seconds. With a technical striking base as his go-to, he rarely misses the spot and shouldn’t have much trouble out-striking the slower, less powerful Diaz this weekend.
Gandra vs. Diaz UFC Betting Prediction
To win this bout, Diaz would really need a wrestling game plan. Sadly for him, his skill set doesn’t provide a grappling edge strong enough, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Brazilian could outmatch him in this area as well.
Considering the amount of juice spread around the UFC 331 odds, I’m actually surprised that Gandra isn’t worse priced. The amount of strikes absorbed by Diaz shows a terrible striking defense, and that isn’t going to bode well versus a dangerous striker like Gandra who should match his previous performances and find the KO before round two ends.
Gandra vs. Diaz Best Bet: Gandra by KO in Round 1 or 2 at 1.50 [-200]
UFC 331 Best Bets Information
- Date & Time: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 10:30 p.m. CET
- Location: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California
- How to Watch: UFC Fight Pass, Viaplay, & Paramount+
- Scheduled Fights: 12
- Main Event Bout: Joshua Van vs. Alexandre Pantoja
- Co-Main Event Bout: Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy
- Biggest UFC 331 Betting Favorite: Gable Steveson at 1.03 [-3333]
ibet Promotions for UFC 331 Best Bets
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All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and may have moved since publication. Betting markets can change as news, action and market conditions develop. For the latest prices and available lines, visit the ibet Sportsbook.
