UFC 331 in Los Angeles confirmed Joshua Van's flyweight title legitimacy and Arman Tsarukyan's path to a lightweight title shot. Van defeated Alexandre Pantoja via decision in a rematch of their 2025 bout, solidifying his championship status. Tsarukyan secured his claim with a first-round elbow finish over Mauricio Ruffy at 4:56.

For Van, the logical next opponent is Manel Kape, the division's hardest hitter and a stylistic match willing to stand and trade. If Kape is unavailable, Brandon Royval serves as the wild card, given their history and Royval's recent win over Lone'er Kavanagh. Pantoja, despite the loss, remains motivated and may target a future trilogy with Van; his immediate next step is likely Asu Almabayev, a 7-1 UFC flyweight with limited fanfare but rising potential.

Lone'er Kavanagh, coming off a loss to Royval, is seen as a high-ceiling prospect who could earn a shot at Pantoja after his strong showing against Brandon Moreno. For Tsarukyan, the next fight is a clear-cut matchup against Justin Gaethje, a long-overdue title opportunity many believed he deserved earlier.