Welcome to another edition of Payout Perspective. This time we take a look at UFC 331 at the Crypto.com in Los Angeles.
Van wins rematch
Joshua Van retained his UFC flyweight title by defeating former champion Alexandre Pantoja via unanimous decision. While their first fight ended early due to injury, this fight went the distance. While Pantoja had some early moments, most of the fight including takedowns, it was Van showing his impressive cardio and the power in his hands. In Round 5, Van left no doubt using his overwhelming punching power to dominate the round.
This was the second title defense for Van and it looks like Manel Kape is the next in line for a title shot.
Tsarukyan makes claim for title shot
Even though he seems to be a streamer more than a fighter, Arman Tsarukyan showed UFC fans why he should be fighting for the lightweight title. A devastating elbow to Ruffy’s head during an exchange next to the cage stopped the Brazilian and sent him to the mat with the ref stepping in to stop the fight with just 4 seconds left in round 1.
Tsarukyan made a case to fight Justin Gaethje for the lightweight title despite Ilia Topuria still being the number 1 contender.
Attendance, gate and bonuses
The Fight of the Night went to Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja in an action-packed 5-round fight for the Flyweight title. Van earned a unanimous decision victory but both received a $100K bonus.
Arman Tsarukyan earned the $100K Performance Bonus for his finish of Mauricio Ruffy in the first round.
Also earning a $100K bonus was Casey O’Neil received a Performance Bonus for a stunning elevator sweep into a belly down armbar on Eduardo Moura.
In conjunction with Paramount’s Mobland, the UFC bestowed a $100K bonus to Sean Sharaf. The series gave $50K and White matched it for the $100K. Sharaf had the upset of the night by sleeping Gable Steveson in just 12 seconds.
The $25K finish bonuses went to Joanderson Brito, Ryan Gandra, Marlon Vera and Patricio Pitbull. Notably Brito took off his pants right after stopping Giga Chikadze.
The attendance was 19,357 (sell out) at the Crypto.com Arena for $8.3M gate per Dana White at the post-fight press conference.
CSAC Disclosed Payoutsb
Per the California State Athletic Commission, the disclosed payouts are as follows:
Joshua Van: $500K
Alexander Pantoja: $650K
Arman Tsarukyan: $350K
Mauricio Ruffy $110K
Patricio Pitbull Freire: $200K/$200K
Doo Ho Choi: $85K
Sean Sharaf: $30K/$30K
Gable Steveson: $160K
Alonzo Menifield: $155K/$155K
Iwo Baraniewski $50K
Marlon Vera: $200k/$200K
Chalres Jourdain: $108K
Robelis Despaigne: $100K/$100K
Tai Tuivasa: $350K
Michael Aswell: $30K/$30K
Joo Sang Yoo: $12K
Ryan Gandra: $14K/$14K
Ozzy Diaz:$25K
Edmen Shahbazyan: $125K/$125K
Brunno Ferreira: $95K
Casey O’Neill: $66K/$66K
Eduarda Mour: $33K
Joanderson Brito: $79K/$79K
Giga Chikadze: $93K
Sponsors
The UFC has a new sponsor in Brio Water, as it was the Official Partner of UFC 331. Also, Crypto.com had a big presence during the event as a sponsor. Also, the event was being held at Crypto.com Arena.
The Octagon signage included Crypto.com, Stake, Toyo Tires, bet 365, FRE, Black Rifle Coffee Company, Polymarket, Ram Truck, Total Wireless, Ninjatrader, Aviator, Budweiser, Morgan & Morgan, Budweiser, Exodus, New Amsterdam Vodka, Monaco, Paramount+, Doordash, Jose Cuervo, Superfile, Monster Energy was joined by Maverick in the center of the Octagon.
In addition, Meta AI was a part of the ad reads during the event.
In conjunction with the second season of Mobland starting the day before UFC 331, it offered a $50K bonus for a fighter on the show. Dana White later matched the $50K to give a fighter (which was Sharaf) $100K bonus similar to the other two Performance bonuses.
Odds and ends
The biggest upset of the night went to Sean Sharaf who knocked out Gable Steveson within seconds of the first round starting. Sharaf was a huge underdog and noted that Jon Jones was one of his inspirations to get into MMA. Jones was in Steveson’s corner for the fight. Sharaf received rave reviews at the pre-fight press conference for calling out Steveson as a sex offender. Something that seemingly shook Steveson not for saying it but the overwhelming support Sharaf received for saying it. The KO brings into question Steveson’s commitment to the support. He was one of the highest paid fighters on the card and was on a steep ascension if he had KO’d Sharaf. Now, we will see what the former Olympian decides next.
Nina Drama and Arman Tsarukyan on Sneaker Shopping with Joe LaPuma.
Alonzo Menifield won his fight against Iwo Baraniewski but his left thumb looked like it almost fell off.
Another loss for Tai Tuivasa makes it 8 in a row.The heavyweight has not won since 2002.
Conclusion
This had to be one of the best numbered events in some time. Van-Pantoja was an excellent, enjoyable main event while Tsarukyan showed that he’s more than just a stream. Top to bottom, the card came through with some entertaining fights.
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