UFC 331 roundtable: Can Joshua Van become one of the faces of the UFC?

Key Points:

• Joshua Van, 24, is headlining UFC 331 and has the chance to solidify his status as a dominant flyweight champion after winning the title in under three years, despite his initial win over Alexandre Pantoja being aided by Pantoja's early injury.
• MMA analysts are divided on Van's potential dominance: Alexander K. Lee and Jed Meshew believe Van could have a long and successful reign due to his youth and improving skills, while Damon Martin cautions that the flyweight division's depth makes sustained dominance unlikely.
• Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy face uncertainty regarding title shots despite their upcoming fight being framed as a contender matchup; UFC matchmaker decisions and other fighters' schedules mean no guarantees exist for immediate title opportunities.
• The UFC 331 card outside the main and co-main events is viewed as weak by analysts, with Tai Tuivasa vs. Robellis Despaigne highlighted as a must-see fight due to its unpredictability and potential for chaos, despite both fighters being on losing streaks or recent returns.
• Overall, UFC 331 features key storylines about emerging champions and contender dynamics, but also reflects challenges in matchmaking and the depth of competition within certain divisions.