The UFC 331 main card will feature a title fight and several contenders looking to move up the card. But don’t forget about the prelims!
Marlon Vera looks to return to his winning ways when he takes on the exciting Charles Jourdain. A former title contender, Vera and the hard-hitting Jourdain headline the prelims.
Meanwhile, Robelis Despaigne returns to the UFC, while Casey O’Neill aims to impress.
The Sporting News breaks down everything you need to know to bet on the UFC 331 prelims, including odds for each fight, the most popular betting markets and best bets. Plus, new users can bet $5 on UFC 331 and get $200 in Bonus Bets instantly at DraftKings Sportsbook.
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UFC 331 prelims predictions
The following odds are all courtesy of the DraftKings Sportsbook.
Marlon Vera vs. Charles Jourdain odds (Bantamweight)
| Fighter | Point spread | Total rounds | Moneyline |
| Marlon Vera | +3.5 (-160) | O 2.5 (-260) | +180 |
| Charles Jourdain | -3.5 (+120) | U 2.5 (+195) | -218 |
Vera vs. Jourdain prediction and best bet
A former title contender, Vera aims for his first win since 2023. “Chito” lands 4.18 significant strikes per minute. He also averages 0.47 takedowns landed per 15 minutes. Jourdain has won three straight. He lands 5.36 significant strikes and averages 0.38 takedowns landed.
Vera is a tough fighter but is susceptible to getting hit, absorbing 5.34 significant strikes. His last six fights have ended via decision. Jourdain can either knock an opponent out or submit them. He looks much more comfortable at bantamweight.
Vera has not yet been taken out in his career. That streak may continue. It’s also entirely possible he guts out a win if he can tire out and expose Jourdain early. An upset before the main card could make this a fun fight.
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Tai Tuivasa vs. Robelis Despaigne odds (Heavyweight)
| Fighter | Point spread | Total rounds | Moneyline |
| Tai Tuivasa | +7.5 (+350) | O 1.5 (+210) | +500 |
| Robelis Despaigne | -7.5 (-575) | U 1.5 (-280) | -700 |
Tuivasa vs. Despaigne prediction and best bet
It wasn’t long ago that Tuivasa was on top of the world. Now, he’s on a seven-fight losing streak and is looking for his first win since 2022. “Bam Bam” lands 3.37 significant strikes per minute. He also absorbs 4.61 strikes.
Despaigne signed with the UFC in 2023. After losing two fights, he was cut, went to Karate Combat, and then went to MVP MMA, where he knocked out Junior dos Santos. The UFC brought him back following the dos Santos win. Six of his seven wins in Karate Combat ended via knockout.
If you’re hoping for the massive upset, look away. Despaigne is out to prove he belongs in the UFC. Unfortunately, it will come at the Aussie’s expense.
Ryan Gandra vs. Ozzy Diaz odds (Middleweight)
| Fighter | Point spread | Total rounds | Moneyline |
| Ryan Gandra | -7.5 (-475) | O 1.5 (+195) | -550 |
| Ozzy Diaz | -7.5 (+300) | U 1.5 (-260) | +410 |
Gandra vs. Diaz prediction and best bet
Gandra has knocked out three straight opponents inside the octagon. He lands 11.71 significant strikes per minute. Diaz has only won one fight in four contests in the octagon. He lands 5.33 significant strikes. It may be an ugly fight, especially with Diaz absorbing 6.52 significant strikes.
Diaz is not afraid of anyone, which sometimes doesn’t bode well for fighters. Gandra could make a mistake, but his sharp striking should break past Diaz’s defense.
Casey O’Neill vs. Eduarda Moura (Flyweight
| Fighter | Point spread | Total rounds | Moneyline |
| Casey O’Neill | -3.5 (+100) | O 2.5 (-245) | -225 |
| Eduarda Moura | +3.5 (-135) | U 2.5 (+185) | +185 |
O’Neill vs. Moura prediction and best bet
O’Neill lands 7.89 significant strikes per minute. She also averages 1.40 takedowns landed per 15 minutes. “King” Casey absorbs 5.53 strikes, but she normally packs the harder punch. Moura lands 2.57 strikes and averages 3.58 takedowns landed, with 13 in her last four fights.
Despite being tough on the floor, Moura’s last two losses have come against strikers. O’Neill is tough as nails and should be able to avoid significant damage to earn the win.
UFC 331 main card and full fight lineup
Main Card
- Joshua Van (c) vs. Alexandre Pantoja 2 for the UFC flyweight title
- Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy; Lightweights
- Patrício Freire vs. Dooho Choi; Featherweights
- Gable Steveson vs. Sean Sharaf; Heavyweights
- Alonzo Menifield vs. Iwo Baraniewski; Light Heavyweights
Prelims
- Marlon Vera vs. Charles Jourdain; Bantamweights
- Tai Tuivasa vs. Robelis Despaigne; Heavyweights
- Michael Aswell Jr. vs. JooSang Yoo; Featherweights
- Ryan Gandra vs. Osman Diaz; Middleweights
Early Prelims
- Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Brunno Ferreira; Middleweights
- Casey O’Neill vs. Eduarda Moura; Flyweights
- Giga Chikadze vs. Joanderson Brito; Featherweights
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