How to watch UFC 331: Van vs Pantoja 2 live streams, no PPV, start time, full card

The Road to the Rematch: A Chronological Breakdown

The animosity between Van and Pantoja traces back to UFC 323 in December 2025. The initial encounter was billed as a passing of the torch, but the fight concluded in a manner that left the combat sports world in a state of suspended animation. Just 26 seconds into the opening round, a collision resulted in Pantoja suffering a dislocated elbow after an awkward fall. The referee was forced to wave off the contest, awarding the technical knockout victory to Van.

While Van was declared the champion, the victory was marred by public outcry and debate regarding the legitimacy of a title change via injury. Pantoja, a 36-year-old stalwart of the division, has spent the intervening months vocalizing his frustration. Despite his extensive resume—which includes high-profile victories over former champions and top-tier contenders like Brandon Moreno, Brandon Royval, Steve Erceg, Kai Asakura, and Kai Kara-France—Pantoja has frequently expressed feelings of being overlooked by the promotion’s brass. For Pantoja, tonight is not merely about regaining a belt; it is a quest to validate his career and erase the asterisk that has followed his name since the winter of 2025.

Tactical Analysis and Fighter Profiles

Joshua Van has emerged as one of the most dangerous strikers at 125 pounds. Known for his explosive speed and high-volume output, the Myanmar native demonstrated his maturity in his May title defense against Tatsuro Taira. In that bout, Van successfully neutralized Taira’s technical grappling by dictating the pace of the stand-up exchanges, proving he is more than just a quick-starter. Against Pantoja, he faces a different challenge: a fighter who thrives in the chaotic, high-pressure environments of the clinch.

Alexandre Pantoja remains a master of pace. At 5ft 5in, he matches Van in stature, but his experience advantage is substantial. Pantoja is known for his relentless forward pressure and a submission game that is among the most opportunistic in the sport. If he can survive the initial flurry of strikes from Van, the veteran is expected to force the champion into a grinding, tactical battle that tests the depth of his conditioning.

The Broader Context: Title Implications

The stakes extend beyond the flyweight throne. A victory for Pantoja would mark a significant historical milestone, as he would become only the third flyweight in UFC history to regain the title after previously losing it, joining the ranks of Brandon Moreno and Deiveson Figueiredo. Conversely, a clean, decisive victory for Van would firmly cement him as the new face of the division, effectively closing the book on the old guard and signaling the start of a new era in the flyweight weight class.

The co-main event also carries immense weight for the future of the lightweight division. Arman Tsarukyan and Maurício Ruffy are scheduled to face off in a contest that matchmakers have earmarked as a title-eliminator. With the lightweight division constantly in flux, the winner of this bout is widely expected to secure a position as the next mandatory challenger for the divisional crown.

How to Watch UFC 331: Global Coverage

The event will be broadcast internationally through various media partners. In the United States, coverage is exclusive to Paramount Plus. The main card is expected to commence at 11:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM PT. Viewers looking for alternative access points should note that while early prelims are available via UFC Fight Pass, the main event remains behind the Paramount Plus paywall.

For fans traveling abroad, access to these services may be restricted due to regional licensing agreements. Utilizing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a common, secure method for viewers to maintain access to their domestic streaming subscriptions while traveling. Services such as Surfshark are frequently utilized to mask IP addresses and ensure consistent access to home-country streams.

International Broadcast Details

• United Kingdom: TNT Sports 1 will host the broadcast, with the main card starting at 2:00 AM BST on Sunday morning. Access is available through Sky, Virgin Media, or EE TV, as well as via an HBO Max subscription including the TNT Sports add-on.
• Canada: Fans can access the event through pay-per-view providers including Sportsnet and Bell. The standard PPV rate is set at $69.99, with preliminary bouts also available on TVA Sports.
• Australia: The main card is available via Foxtel Main Event or Kayo Sports at a cost of AU$59.95.

Full Fight Card

The UFC 331 card is designed to showcase both established contenders and emerging talent. The current lineup for the evening is as follows:

Main Card

• Joshua Van (c) vs. Alexandre Pantoja (Flyweight Title)
• Arman Tsarukyan vs. Maurício Ruffy (Lightweight)
• Patrício Pitbull vs. Choi Doo-ho (Featherweight)
• Gable Steveson vs. Sean Sharaf (Heavyweight)
• Alonzo Menifield vs. Iwo Baraniewski (Light Heavyweight)

Preliminary Card

• Marlon Vera vs. Charles Jourdain (Bantamweight)
• Tai Tuivasa vs. Robelis Despaigne (Heavyweight)
• Michael Aswell Jr vs. Yoo Joo-sang (Featherweight)
• Ryan Gandra vs. Osman Diaz (Middleweight)

Early Prelims

• Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Brunno Ferreira (Middleweight)
• Casey O’Neill vs. Eduarda Moura (Women’s Flyweight)
• Giga Chikadze vs. Joanderson Brito (Featherweight)

Official Statements and Industry Impact

While the fighters have maintained a professional decorum leading up to the weigh-ins, the underlying tension is palpable. Pantoja’s camp has suggested that the mental toll of the first fight has only sharpened his focus. "There is no mystery this time," a source close to the Brazilian camp indicated. "The game plan is to remove the chance element entirely."

Conversely, Van’s team has emphasized his growth since December. In recent media sessions, the champion has remained dismissive of the "controversy" narrative, stating that he prepared for a five-round war during their first encounter and remains ready for the same intensity tonight. The outcome of this fight will have immediate ramifications for the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings and the general perception of the flyweight division’s competitive hierarchy.

Conclusion: A Night of Redemption or Confirmation

As the Crypto.com Arena readies itself for the main event, the narrative is clear: either a veteran will reclaim his status as an elite champion, or a new generation will successfully defend its place at the top. The fight is not just a match between two skilled individuals; it is an exercise in legacy. Fans are advised to monitor official UFC social media channels for live updates, as the intensity of the undercard suggests that the event may feature shifts in momentum that could alter the landscape of multiple weight classes by Sunday morning.

The integration of technology into the fan experience—from high-definition streaming on mobile devices to the widespread use of VPNs for global accessibility—ensures that UFC 331 will reach a record-breaking audience. Regardless of the outcome, the events of tonight will serve as a definitive marker for the direction of the UFC’s lower-weight divisions for the remainder of the 2026 calendar year.