Justin Gaethje has spoken clearly about a pullout. He said Arman Tsarukyan threw away his title opportunity due to trouble making the limit. Gaethje said Tsarukyan pulled out over that issue. He also said Tsarukyan will be Ruffy's first ultimate test in the UFC. His comments drew attention to Tsarukyan's exit.

At Noche UFC, Jean Silva submitted Jose Miguel Delgado with a one-arm rear-naked choke with clean execution. The finish caught plenty of attention. UFC 331 will be topped by Van vs. Pantoja 2. UFC veteran Din Thomas pointed to a 35-year curse before the event. That curse still hangs over the card. The weight issue reset the focus for the fight. That comment adds heat to Ruffy's next fight. The curse gives the card an uneasy feel. The main event has not changed. That has turned a spotlight on the event.