Justin Gaethje has spoken clearly about a pullout. He said Arman Tsarukyan lost his title chance due to a cut that was going nowhere. Gaethje said Tsarukyan pulled out over that issue. He also said Tsarukyan will be Ruffy's first real test in the UFC. His comments put the focus on Tsarukyan's exit.

At Noche UFC, Jean Silva submitted Jose Miguel Delgado with a one-arm rear-naked choke with clean execution. The finish stood out on the card. UFC 331 will be topped by Van vs. Pantoja 2. UFC veteran Din Thomas pointed to a 35-year curse in the build-up. That curse still hangs over the card. The weight issue altered the build-up for the fight. That comment raises the stakes for Ruffy's next fight. The curse gives the card an uneasy feel. The main event remains in place. That has brought more attention to the event.