UFC betting picks for UFC 331: Van vs. Pantoja are live on RotoWire today. Evaluate predictions for a favorite, an underdog, a prop and a parlay for bettors to consider Saturday.
The UFC is in Los Angeles, California, on Saturday, September 19, for a solid UFC 331 card. In the main event, the flyweight title is up for grabs, as Joshua Van defends his belt in a rematch against Alexandre Pantoja.
Below, I’ll share my UFC 331 predictions, including my favorite pick, an underdog, a prop and a two-fighter parlay. All UFC odds are via the DraftKings Sportsbook and are accurate as of the post date of this article.
UFC 331 Betting Favorite
Charles Jourdain (18-8-1) vs. Marlon Vera (23-12-1) – Bantamweight
For my betting favorite at UFC 331, I’m taking Charles Jourdain to defeat Marlon Vera in what should be a striking-heavy fight at bantamweight.
Vera parted ways with his longtime coach Jason Parillo, and usually it takes time and a couple of fights for a fighter/coach to truly get on the same page and make major changes. On top of that, Vera looks like he has lost a step.
Jourdain should be faster and able to land the better shots, as Vera’s striking defense is an issue. Vera is as durable as they come, so Jourdain won’t be able to finish him, but he’ll land the more damaging shots to edge out a decision here.
UFC 331 Bet: Charles Jourdain (-218)
UFC 331 Underdog
Alexandre Pantoja (30-6) vs. Joshua Van (17-2) – Flyweight
For my underdog pick at UFC 331, I’m taking Alexandre Pantoja to reclaim his flyweight title in the main event against Joshua Van.
In the first fight, I took Pantoja, and it ended in less than a minute due to an arm injury to Pantoja. Not even a year later, there’s no reason why I wouldn’t be back on Pantoja, especially with him as the underdog now.
Van has struggled at times with the grappling, and Pantoja is stellar in that area. This will be a very close fight, but I think Pantoja can control the fight with his wrestling and grappling.
Although Van is more active on the feet, he is also there to be hit, and Pantoja is capable of landing damaging shots. Ultimately, I think this will be a close decision, but Pantoja’s ability to win the minutes with his wrestling will be the difference.
UFC 331 Bet: Alexandre Pantoja (+110)
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UFC 331 Prop Bet
Arman Tsarukyan (23-3) vs. Mauricio Ruffy (14-2) – Lightweight
For my prop bet at UFC 331, I’m taking Arman Tsarukyan to beat Mauricio Ruffy in what should be a fun fight.
The winner of this fight should get a title shot next, and I expect Tsarukyan not just to win, but to get a stoppage victory. Tsarukyan is a great wrestler, and he likely won’t stand with Ruffy all that much, as he has a clear advantage on the mat.
Tsarukyan fights smart, so he should be able to take Ruffy down early and often. On the ground, Tsarukyan has paths to victory: submit him or ground-and-pound TKO. Effectively, I’m taking him to win inside the distance is -130, which is good value.
Tsarukyan has finished three of his last four opponents, and he will want to make a statement to secure a title shot.
UFC 331 Bet: Arman Tsarukyan by KO/TKO/DQ/Submission (-130)
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UFC 331 Parlay
Doo Ho Choi (17-4-1) vs. Patricio Freire (37-9) – Featherweight
Iwo Baraniewski (9-0) vs. Alonzo Menifield (18-6-1) – Light heavyweight
For my parlay at UFC 331, I’m taking Doo Ho Choi and Iwo Baraniewski to get their hands raised on Saturday.
Choi takes on Patricio Pitbull in a fan-friendly fight at featherweight. Pitbull entered the UFC past his prime, but he is still a borderline top-10 guy. However, Choi is someone I’m high on, as he’s looked good and is on a three-fight winning streak. Pitbull, meanwhile, has struggled to a 1-2 record in the UFC. Choi is the better and faster striker, so he should land the more damaging shots and could even hurt him on the feet. Although a TKO is possible, I think he will win a clear-cut decision.
In the other leg, I’m taking Iwo Baraniewski to defeat Alonzo Menifield. Baraniewski is a power striker, while Menifield’s chin and striking defense are issues. I expect Baraniewski to come out strong, land damaging shots and get another first-round knockout win.
UFC 331 Bet: Doo Ho Choi & Iwo Baraniewski parlay (-110)
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UFC Best Bets
Here is a recap of my best UFC picks for this weekend’s UFC 331 card.
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