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Welcome to the UFC 331 press conference from Los Angeles, California. The Octagon returns to Crypto.com Arena for the first time in 8 years with a loaded card headlined by a thrilling flyweight title rematch. We kick things off in the
UFC 331 pre-fight press conference featuring Van vs Pantoja 2 and other key matchups at Crypto.com Arena in LA.
Key Takeaways
- UFC 331 features a high-stakes flyweight title rematch with strong personal rivalry.
- Several promising fighters are showcased, highlighting their skills and fight strategies.
- The event marks a significant return to Crypto.com Arena for the UFC after 8 years.
- Trash talk and fighter dynamics add drama and anticipation to the upcoming fights.
- Fans can expect intense competition and potential title shots from standout performers.
What the video covers
- UFC 331 press conference held in Los Angeles, marking the Octagon's return to Crypto.com Arena after 8 years.
- Event headlined by a flyweight title rematch between champion Joshua Van and former champ Allesandre Pantoja.
- Several fighters introduced including Evo Vanfki, Alonzo Metfield, Shawn Shedith, Gable Stson, Duho Choy, Patriceio Pitbull, Mauricio Poofy, and Arman Terukian.
- Joshua Van expresses confidence in defeating Pantoja again and discusses the personal nature of the rivalry.
- Pantoja responds to Van's trash talk, emphasizing his readiness and determination to reclaim the title.
- Gable Stson discusses his rapid rise in the UFC and motivation to prove himself against Shawn Shedith.
- Sean Shedith addresses controversy and rivalry with Gable Stson, promising a tough fight.
- Fighters discuss their styles, motivations, and expectations for their upcoming bouts at UFC 331.
- Press conference includes a mix of fight promotion, fighter insights, and fan engagement.
- The event promises exciting matchups with title implications and rising stars in multiple weight classes.
Chapters
- 00:00Introduction and Event Overview
- 02:10Featherweight Fighters: Duho Choy and Patriceio Pitbull
- 04:28Flyweight Champion Joshua Van Introduction
- 05:42Joshua Van and Allesandre Pantoja Exchange
- 07:36Gable Stson and Shawn Shedith Discussion
- 09:15Sean Shedith's Controversial Comments
- 10:09Fighter Motivations and Fight Expectations
- 14:00Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts
Full Transcript — Download SRT & Markdown
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light heavyweight division. First to the stage, a Polish powerhouse that's blazed a brutal path of destruction since joining the UFC. Three fights, three first-round finishes, all in less than 90 seconds. Here is Evo Vanfki.
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Standing in his way, an absolutely atomic finisher. One of the most devastating knockout artists in the division, he's won three of his last four fights, including a vicious knockout last time out. Please welcome Alonzo Metfield.
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Next, we move to the heavyweight division. First to the stage, an outright head hunter. A man who's finished each of his wins by vicious knockout and has his sights on reeling in the biggest fish of his career. This
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is Shawn Shedith. His opponent is hungry to make another statement to the heavyweight division. A legendary wrestling champion who showed off some explosive dynamite in his hands in his UFC debut. Please welcome to the stage Gable Stson.
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Moving on to the featherweight class. First up, one of the most exciting fighters coming from South Korea. Back in the mix of contenders thanks to three straight wins and a fighting style worthy of the nickname the Korean Super
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Boy. Here is Duho Choy. His opponent, a decorated MMA champion who has brought his brand of thrilling fights to the UFC. He's built a legacy compiling 24 finishes against some of the biggest names in the game. Please welcome Patriceio Pitbull.
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Next up, a tremendous co-main event with title implications in the lightweight division. Up first, a devastating striker with an arsenal of weaponry capable of ending any fight in a flash.
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Fresh off an electric performance on the White House lawn. Here is Mauricio Poofy, ready for the challenge in Armenian Wrecking Machine. A suffocating wrestler who's blasted each of his last five opponents in dominating fashion, hungry to make it six in a row and secure a
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shot at the lightweight champion. Put your hands together for Arman Terukian. And now for the main event, a rematch for the UFC flyweight title. To the stage first, the challenger. Already a legend in the division and the sport. No
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one has more wins or finishes in UFC flyweight history. And no one is more determined to reclaim the title he once held. Ladies and gentlemen, here is the former UFC flyweight champion, Allesandre Pantoia.
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And now, the champion and the man who dethroned Pantosia in December. No one lands more strikes per minute or at a higher percentage. And no one has a lengthier highlight reel at age 24 than the Fearless. Coming off a massive
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knockout in his first title defense, here is the UFC flyweight champion, Joshua Fan. What's going on downtown Los Angeles, California? Great to be back in downtown LA for the first time in a long time. Thank y'all for being here
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for the Crypto.com UFC 331 press conference. As you know, it all goes down Saturday night. UFC 331 van v Pantoia 2. Limited tickets still available at axs.com.
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All right, first question. Oscar Willis. Go ahead. I'd like to start with Joshua Van. Josh, since the first fight with Pantoia, you've heard about this rematch again and again. A couple of days away now, how excited are you to potentially
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put this chapter behind you? Oh, man. I can't wait, man. In two days, we get to whoop his ass again.
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You've made it clear you don't watch a lot of MMA, but do you realize what beating this guy twice at your age will do for your legacy?
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Like I said, man, he was the greatest of all time, you know, before he fought me. And now we just going to show the world why we the best in this fight.
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What have you made of his energy this fight week? Right. I saw you laughing at the face off yesterday. Do you feel like Pantoia is kind of taking this stuff a little bit too seriously?
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For sure. You know what I mean? As far as I check, you don't really like me, but I don't give a [ __ ]. You know, we going to fight tomorrow and I'm going show the world that I'm, you know,
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level above him. Question for you, Pantoia. Yesterday at the media day, Joshua described himself as your daddy. He's made this a bit personal. Do you feel like the fight is getting to that area where actually it's more important to beat him than it is to
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get that belt? What I remember when we fight the first time, he tried to hug him in 20 seconds.
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I don't know, maybe he tried do that again and I'm ready for that.
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What do you think about the disrespect Josh is showing you? Do you think it's personal or do you just think this is, you know, the youth of the day?
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I don't understand because sometimes he say I'm the best and sometimes he going to say you're going to beat me and in his mind he beat me in the first time, you know. But it is what it is. Saturday
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night he has a chance to prove that. Beat the best. That's why I'm here, man.
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I'mma beat your ass tomorrow. I beat you once. I beat you once already. I'mma beat your ass again tomorrow. I mean Saturday.
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Question for Gable. Gable, the second fight in the UFC already at a press conference.
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Interesting reaction from the fans here today. Are you a little bit surprised you're getting this reaction? No, I love seeing all these beautiful faces here. You came to watch us on stage.
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What a what a great opportunity to see us on this stage and cheer and boot for us. How's it feel to pay for this ticket, man? We feel good. It's an honor to be here. Honestly, I'm so excited to
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compete Saturday. I'm so excited for you guys to watch another showcase of me and man. Wow. This is amazing. Look at y'all. I appreciate it.
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Look, you have obviously been targeted as a man for greatness, but are you surprised you're getting this opportunity already in your second fight being at a press conference getting this recognition from the fans?
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No, I mean I'm so excited to be here. Like I said, you know, maybe this is well earned at this point, but you know, I went from prelims to main card.
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It's an honor to be here and it's an honor to be in front of these people who are excessively cheering me for greatness.
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This is also the first time you're fighting a guy who has maybe talked a little bit of trash. I don't know if you've experienced that in your fighting career so far. Does that motivate you more to get in there and maybe not just
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be this professional athlete, but a fighter and put the herd on him? You know, I just I'm motivated to win. I'm motivated to come out here and put on a show for a good crowd. I respect Sean serve as an opponent and
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he came to battle and that's what I signed up for too. Question for Sean. Sean, obviously you have made you've made no secret of your sort of maybe a bit of dislike for Gable here.
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What are you you thinking about that? I don't dislike the guy. Nobody likes a rapist. This guy raped a woman in 2019 and that's why everyone's booing him.
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You can't do that [ __ ]. It's wrong. He's already lost just by saying that.
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He's a coward. He's already looking at the way out. He's looking at the way out of this opportunity. He's here because of me. And this should be a great opportunity to go against Gable Stevenson.
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Okay. Why'd you turn down the White House card fight? I actually didn't get off of the White House.
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Yeah. Okay. What are you talking about? Okay, Loophole. That's a good name, right? That's a great name. I see a lot of people cheering, but I mean, we'll see how many people cheer when he gets flatlined Saturday night.
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You're going to be shooting for your life, buddy. You can't strike. You know you're not going to strike with me.
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You're going for a takedown. You already know that. I would I would I would love to get everybody opportunity on this stage to talk and not give Sean an all opportunity. So, um, next question.
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Question for Arman Serukian. Before we get into the actual fight, you a
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First of all, I want to say thank you for come who came here. I'm so happy that I'm fighting here in LA. It's my second home and I can't wait put it on the show and to show everybody
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who come uh and support me. At media day yesterday, you said you are better than Mauricio Rufrey everywhere.
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You can strike with him, you can take him down, you can do whatever you want.
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So, I guess what do you make of Ruffy's skill set? And do you think you'll need all five rounds to get it done on Saturday?
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I don't need five rounds. I'm going to finish him in the second round. And I know the champion, Justin Gates, will most likely be tuning into this fight. Do you have any message for Justin? And do you think you need an
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emphatic win to cement yourself at number one contender? I'm going to send him message after this fight.
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Similar question for Mauricio Rufi. Straight ahead. At media day, you downplayed the fans labeling Armenuki the uncrowned champion. You said he's not the champion. I want to fight the eventual champion. So, what do you make of Armen's skill set, the fans that are
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here for him, and just his whole aura he's brought here to fight week? Los Uh, first of all, thank you LA for the reception. Um, Armen is not a champion because I don't I my train of thought is
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you are not a champion until you have the belt and I think that everybody probably agrees with me and I will not consider myself to be a champion until I fight for a championship and I get a belt and that's what I think.
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You never fight for the belt. Fabian, you want to translate that for Ruby? I could hear you.
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Armen said, "You will never be champion." Guys, I don't know where I be tomorrow, but I know who brought me this far. My savior Jesus Christ.
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Another one for Ruthie. At media day, I asked you about Arman's wrestling and, you know, preparing with Vulcanoski. You looked at me and said, "Five rounds, it's much different." So, Arman predicts he can finish you within two. What is
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your prediction for Saturday? We need someone to teach W how to wrestle first. Okay.
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I know you're playing this for the crowd, but I'll tell you, you got to respect a champion like Alexander Vanowski. He's an amazing guy, an amazing champion. You got to respect that. If you're so confident on your wrestling, you can beat me. I'll tell
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you what, I'm just as confident and we're going to see on Saturday who's going to come out on top.
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Nobody said I don't respect him. I just said he doesn't know how to wrestle.
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Okay. After all the storied history that he has buil in the UFC, everything that he's done, even with Islam, you going to tell me that he doesn't know wrestling.
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Okay bro. All right, who's got the next question? Question for Duho Choy, Korean Super Boy.
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This is a fight against Patricio Pitle that you called for after your last performance. So, what was it about Patriceio? And now that you're only a few days away from finally getting to fight fight him, what do you make of his
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skill set as all of Yeah, it's an honor to fight a legend like Pitle and I called him out for that reason. Um, you know, he's a he he's going to bring the fight and I'm going to take the
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fight to him and keep rising rising to the top. Similar question for Patriceio right here.
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This is a fight that your opponent asked for. He called you out at media day. You you said you liked that and then that needs to happen more in MMA. So, what do you make of Duo Choice Skills as a whole
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and what can fans expect on Saturday? Definitely. It's a great thing and for me it sound very good. I'm happy with that fight, but I promise you I'm going to stop him.
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Quinn's for Alonzo Manfield. Alonzo right here. Straight up. You know, your opponent EO, he's in a position that you were in at one point, all this knockout streak, undefeated UFC fighter. So, I guess what can fans expect against EO because a lot of
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people are saying this isn't making it to the second round. Yeah. Um, what can I expect from him?
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Um, [ __ ] I don't I don't know. Hey, look look look. I'm worried about I'm worried about doing me. So, as far as what he's going to do, I I don't care.
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Similar question for Ewa. I don't know if you heard what your opponent said. He said he doesn't really care what you bring. He's focusing on himself. What can fans expect on Saturday?
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fans fans can expect in Saturday fireworks. I don't give you a boring fight and I hope so that will be in Saturday.
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Question for Marusio Rufi Goofy. Armen has confirmed that he'll have the world famous streamer Neon as his fourth corner. First, did you know who Neon was before this news was announced? And do you think that he might be taking you
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lightly by having a streamer in his corner rather than an experienced MMA coach? I don't know.
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No, actually and you know u he he knows what he's doing. He's a professional fighter. um you you bring whoever you want and how as many people as you want and I think a three coaches sometimes people think that a fourth ghost has a
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lot of people talking at the same time again a professional fighter he knows what he's doing and who he puts in his corner and then question for John Anick uh yesterday we have a big co-main event in the lightweight division the guy who
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just lost the title Ilia Taporia took to social media yesterday and it seems like he was implying that Justin might have doctorred his gloves in that fight as someone who the standing oct seated octagon side and saw that fight. What
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did you think when you saw those comments and can you speak about what Ilia said? Justin Gatei has tremendous genetics even after that win over Ilyia.
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He acknowledged his parents bone density. I think anybody who has shaken Justin Gate's hands knows that uh that guy's got some natural gifts and he used them to the best of his ability on June 14th. Not sure if Toppo is maybe angling
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for a rematch or what, but um I think those words are probably a little bit forgettable and I'm probably think he probably would recognize that as well.
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And then one for one more for you, John. Obviously LA has a rich history here with the UFC, but the basketball team also does as well. You're staring at all these Lakers banners behind us. As a diehard Celtics fan, what is it like
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hosting this press conference with staring at all these championship banners? You know, I had the chance to meet Kobe Bryant in New York City, and it was one of the most special days of my life. He is my favorite non-Boston
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athlete of all time. And uh to be in these walls that Kobe did so many special things is very special. So, shout out to the mama, the late Kobe Bryant.
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All right, who's got Go ahead, sir. Question for Josh Van. If you successfully defend your title against Allesandre Pantoia, you start to build a really good-look resume. Do you have a timeline set up of when you want to get
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known as the greatest flyweight of all time? There's no if. When I beat him, I am the greatest of all time in this flyweight.
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And question for Arman Surukin. A lot of people think about Rufi's fight against Benois Saneni when we talk about his ability to defend someone else's grappling. Now that he's facing you, do you believe that fight will be similar
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to the one of Paris last year? It's going to be way better. And uh it's going to be easier for me.
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And one more thing you said about like someone asked him about the streamer. There is a two streamer me and Neon. So inside of cage is a streamer as well.
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Hi. Uh, my question is for Question for Armen. First of all, great suit. You look great. And second of all, you are as close to the title, literally and figuratively, as ever been before.
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What do you think is going to happen first? Are you actually going to get a chance to fight for the title or are Lakers are once again going to become champions?
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I'll become champion first and then Lakers. This time around in your corner, you're going to have Neon. What about the next time when you fight for the championship? If you could pick any person to be in your corner, living or
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dead, who would you have corner you for the championship fight? Next one in Nina Drama.
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All right, this question is for Arman Jason Octagasian Armenian sports news. You got a lot of Armenian fans here and there's a lot of Armenians expected on Saturday.
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The question is, how excited does that make you for Saturday and the atmosphere with the Armenians? I'm so excited. I'm so proud to fight here and uh for all my fans, Armenians, everybody. Yeah, I can't wait. I can't wait to show good
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performance and uh make them happy. And uh yeah. for Pontoia. A lot of people talk about the hero's journey that sometimes a hero must have a setback to have a comeback and maybe do you feel that you needed
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this to enhance your journey and how do you want this journey to be remembered this week?
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I think I'm going to have a great opportunity that was given to me. Um, I'm going to have again an opportunity and a chance to do something that no champion has ever done. And I'll tell you, um, I've been waiting a long time
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for this. And, uh, on Saturday, I'm going to get it. Um, Ruffy, this week Armen has commented that this is the fighter, a fight between a striker and a complete fighter. And a lot of that they attribute against because your fight
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against Benoasi. Um can you be defined? Do you think that defines who you are? And why uh does that not define you?
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Man, I've been training very hard at this and I think uh I am where I need to be. Um and I I've come through the journey that I have to be where I need to be at. Um, I've been training really
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hard exactly for this to turn things around and to come back and to show you how much I've trained, how much I've evolved. That's what the fighter needs to do. Evolve and I'm going to have an opportunity on Saturday to show all of
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you how much I've evolved. Sir, go ahead. Question for Arman. Arman, have you been promised a title shot after this fight?
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Yes. Awesome. And uh are you happy with this fight or do you feel it was unnecessary?
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I'm happy with every fight, you know. It's a it's a good fight, great opponent, you know, and uh it's going to be exciting fight.
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Excellent. Thanks so much. And for Alessandre Panto, is your mindset any different coming into this fight as the challenger as opposed to all those fights with you being the champion? Even when I have the belt, when I'm the
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champion, I always look like a challenger, you know. I think you can be a champion just one day. Saturday night.
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Sunday you celebration. Monday you back to a regular life. You try to be champion every day.
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Thank you so much. And one last one for me for Alashan. No, for Mauricio Hufi.
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What do you present that is different than what the other opponents of Arman have presented and failed? What do you have that's going to make this different?
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Thank you. man. I think that my style is different than anyone else. I always bring something new that no one has ever seen before. Um, I want to show dedication, hard work, and how much I have been training to do this, to evolve, and
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everyone is going to see that on Saturday. Last quick one for Gable Stevenson. Gable, what year is the heavyweight title fight for you going to take place?
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Hey, Gable, did you hear that? That question was for you. Okay. Gable, what year do you fight for the heavyweight title of the UFC?
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What year of the heavyweight championship fight and next year? Thanks so much. All right, LA. Thank you all for bringing the energy. We're going to clear the stage and square these athletes off and we'll see you back for
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the weigh-in tomorrow. Thank you all very much. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. N.
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Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey, heat. Hey, heat. We got field. Are you not [ __ ] [ __ ] you.
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Yeah. Armen is your nightmare. You suck roof. You are not For the last 2 and 1/2 years, the man they have all been chasing at 125 lbs, the flyweight king, Allesandre Pantoia.
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Oh, Pantosia's left arm is hurt. We have a new flyweight champion. I know 100% he don't want to win the belt like that. That's a freak accident, you know. Everybody know that.
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The outside noise is just noise, but this is unfinished business. I always want that rematch. I wasn't going to wait all year long. You know what I mean? So, Tasuro came in. Here is the undisputed UFC flyweight champion,
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Joshua Van. And look at that. Pantosia, stone cold killer, staring him down. I see Joshua more relaxed and start to hurt Tatsuru.
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Oh, big shot by Van. Then we start going to the body and that was it.
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Tyra's in trouble. It's the body and that'll do it. That's it. Stand still. Joshua enjoy his moment but I know I'm the next I win over is like writing a history is the greatest of all time in our
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division. Kafron desperately trying to stay in the fight. He will not. One of the best flyweights of all time right there.
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I defend my belt four times. This high level for years. That's very special. He is the man.
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Pantosia fights like a savage. I mean, he just walks in with reckless abandonment. Oh, piston of a right hand from Pantosia.
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When the octagon's closed, you need to be ready to kill or die. Our fighting style is kill or be killed.
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So, we never going to shy away from a war. He is all action. There are no breathers when you face Joshua Van.
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To be honest, I don't give a what Pinto bring to the table that night.
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Oh my goodness. I'm going to beat the out of him. You try to attack with words. That's a weakness.
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Allesandre Pantoia the cannibal. We going to see if the true champion of the world. What's done is done and I'mma whoop his ass September 19th. He mad that I got his belt. Look at it. You look good, huh?
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AK, you going to lock the way to me, brother? It would take an army to take that belt off me.
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When you got boxing like Joshua Van, you can compete with just about anyone. Now he's the champion. Now he have everything to lose and I have nothing to lose. Now he's dangerous. Yeah.
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Oh yes. Be got it under the neck here. There's the tap. He can say whatever you want, but he know what I bring to the table.
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Oh, absolute dominance from start to finish. I want to prove I have a chance to conquer this belt again.
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Holy smokes. at UFC 331. We going to see who's a real winner.
Topics:UFC 331Van vs Pantoja 2flyweight title rematchCrypto.com ArenaUFC press conferenceMMA fighterslight heavyweightheavyweight divisionfeatherweightlightweight division
