Justin Gaethje did not hide his view on a withdrawal. He said Arman Tsarukyan threw away his title opportunity due to trouble making the limit. Gaethje said Tsarukyan dropped out for that reason. 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 was the talking point of the show. UFC 331 is set for Van vs. Pantoja 2. UFC veteran Din Thomas pointed to a 35-year curse in the build-up. That curse remains over the event. The weight issue changed the conversation for the fight. That comment raises the stakes for Ruffy's next fight. The curse gives the card an uneasy feel. The main event has not changed. That has brought more attention to the event.