RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesBreaking news from the world’s MMA leader: The status of some huge fight cards has been cleared up. UFC fans are in for a monster month of fights in September.
Two massive events take place in September. The first is UFC 331, the next numbered card after this month’s UFC 330 headlined by Islam Makhachev and Ian Machado Garry.
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The next major card is in Phoenix as Noche UFC returns and celebrates Mexican heritage and its history within combat sports.
Both cards are stacked with talent and take place in back-to-back weekends.
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UFC 331 main event: Van vs. Pantoja 2 (flyweight)
Dec 6, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, UNITED STATES; Alexandre Pantoja (red gloves) fights Joshua Van (blue gloves) during UFC 323. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters) On Sept. 19, , the UFC heads back to Los Angeles for the first time since January 2025. Joshua Van will attempt to defend his title for the second time this year and face the man he defeated to get it.
Alexandre Pantoja was building his legacy as the second most dominant flyweight of all time. That championship reign ended against Van in awful fashion.
Pantoja was falling toward the canvas, posted his arm out to break the fall and dislocated his left elbow. Now the two consensus best flyweights on the planet run it back so the fight can actually play out.
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Co-main event: Tsarukyan vs. Ruffy (lightweight)
Apr 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Arman Tsarukyan during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect (Reuters) The co-main event is fireworks. Arman Tsarukyan makes his highly anticipated return against the surging Mauricio Ruffy.
Tsarukyan hasn’t fought since November 2025, submitting Dan Hooker in the second round. Even with the inactivity, Tsarukyan is widely regarded as a top-three lightweight on the planet due to his elite wrestling and great striking.
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Ruffy is becoming a star, most recently finding a highlight KO against Michael Chandler at the White House. An elite striker, Ruffy is so creative with his strikes and has outstanding timing. His power and length advantage over Tsarukyan can make this fight competitive.
Other notable fight on UFC 331
Jul 10, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Gable Steveson during weigh ins for UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters) The next biggest fight on the card has to be Gable Steveson vs. Sean Sharaf. There are no stakes behind the fight other than Steveson getting more experience, but that’s all the audience cares about.
Steveson is going to open and close as a gigantic favorite, just like he was for his UFC debut. This is one of the most hyped up prospects in UFC history regardless of weight classes.
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Noche UFC main event: Rodriguez vs. Silva (featherweight)
Jun 29, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Jean Silva during UFC 303 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters) A staple in the UFC for the last four years, Noche UFC (Sept. 12) always brings fun fights and pure Mexican spirit into the octagon. This main event is guaranteed fun and features the return of a bona fide contender at 145 pounds.
Yair Rodriguez makes his long-awaited return, facing the Fighting Nerds star Jean Silva. The grappling advantage should be with Silva, but knowing both these fighters, this will be chaos in the striking department. Rodriguez’s precision and accuracy vs. Silva’s power and overwhelming pressure.
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