Ali Akbar Rosady
Los Angeles, CA – September 19, 2026 – The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has solidified its upcoming UFC 331 card, set to electrify the Crypto.com Arena, with the addition of a compelling middleweight encounter featuring seasoned veterans Edmen Shahbazyan and Brunno Ferreira. The booking, confirmed by MMA Fighting following an initial report from Leo Guimaraes, promises a high-stakes battle as both fighters aim to regain momentum within the competitive 185-pound division. While the headlining attraction for the September 19 event remains unannounced, the preliminary card is steadily taking shape with a distinctive "Brazil vs. The World" theme.
Edmen Shahbazyan, with a professional record of 16 wins and 6 losses, enters this bout seeking to rebound from a recent setback. The Glendale, California native, often touted for his knockout power and aggressive style, last competed in June of the current year, where he suffered a bonus-winning three-round decision loss to Brendan Allen. That defeat marked an interruption in what had been a significant resurgence for Shahbazyan throughout 2025. Following a challenging period in his career, Shahbazyan had demonstrated renewed focus and form, securing three consecutive victories against a diverse set of opponents. His 2025 campaign saw him dispatch Andre Muniz, Andre Petroski, and Dylan Budka, showcasing improvements in his striking defense and grappling while maintaining his signature offensive explosiveness.
Shahbazyan’s journey in the UFC began with considerable hype after a dominant performance on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2018. He quickly ascended the ranks, rattling off four impressive wins, including a first-round knockout of Charles Byrd and a head-kick finish of Brad Tavares. This early success positioned him as one of the most promising prospects in the middleweight division, leading to a main event clash against Derek Brunson in 2020. However, a TKO loss to Brunson initiated a challenging phase, followed by defeats to Jack Hermansson and Nassourdine Imavov. The string of losses highlighted areas for development in his defensive grappling and fight management. His three-fight win streak in 2025 was crucial for his career, demonstrating resilience and adaptation, making the recent loss to Allen a critical junction point. For Shahbazyan, the fight against Ferreira represents an opportunity to prove his place among the division’s elite and prevent a slide back into inconsistency. His fan-friendly, aggressive approach often leads to exciting contests, and he will undoubtedly be looking to deliver a decisive performance on home turf.
Across the Octagon, Brunno Ferreira (15-4) faces a similar narrative of recent turbulence following a period of strong performance. The Brazilian middleweight, known for his formidable power and relentless pressure, also experienced a significant three-fight winning streak in 2025, which included a pivotal decision victory over former title contender Marvin Vettori. That triumph was a career highlight for Ferreira, elevating his profile and signaling his arrival as a serious contender. His path to the UFC also included a successful outing on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022, where he secured a first-round knockout. Ferreira’s subsequent UFC debut was equally emphatic, a knockout victory over Gregory Rodrigues in January 2023 that earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.
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However, 2026 has presented its own set of challenges for Ferreira. After his impressive run in 2025, he has suffered two consecutive losses this year, falling to Gregory Rodrigues in a rematch and then to Ikram Aliskerov. The nature of these losses, particularly against Rodrigues where he was stopped in the first round, has raised questions about his defensive capabilities when facing high-level strikers. Ferreira’s aggressive, forward-moving style, while exciting and often effective, can sometimes leave him open to counters. His powerful striking and submission threat (he holds several submission victories) make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division. The bout with Shahbazyan is paramount for Ferreira to arrest his current losing skid and re-establish himself as a force to be reckoned with. A victory over a recognizable name like Shahbazyan would be vital in preserving his standing and setting the stage for future challenges.
The stylistic matchup between Shahbazyan and Ferreira presents a fascinating clash of aggressive middleweights. Both fighters possess significant knockout power and tend to push the pace, suggesting a high likelihood of an action-packed affair that may not go the distance. Shahbazyan’s striking, characterized by crisp combinations and powerful kicks, will be tested by Ferreira’s raw strength and heavy hands. Conversely, Ferreira will need to navigate Shahbazyan’s varied attack and avoid being caught clean early in the exchanges. While both have shown vulnerabilities in their defensive grappling at times, their primary strength lies in their stand-up game. The fighter who can impose their will early, control the center of the Octagon, and effectively manage distance will likely gain the upper hand. The mental aspect will also play a crucial role, as both athletes are under pressure to return to the win column. This fight could serve as a litmus test for both men’s resilience and their ability to perform under duress.
UFC 331 is shaping up to be a compelling event, with the promotion reportedly building the card around a "Brazil vs. The World" theme, emphasizing international matchups featuring prominent Brazilian talent. Beyond the Shahbazyan-Ferreira middleweight clash, several other intriguing bouts have been previously reported, contributing to the card’s diverse appeal.
One of the most anticipated matchups is set to feature Brazilian lightweight contender Renato Moicano against American featherweight stalwart Brian Ortega. Moicano, known for his dangerous Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and constantly improving striking, has been a consistent presence in the lightweight top 15. His aggressive grappling and submission prowess make him a threat to anyone in the division. Ortega, a two-time featherweight title challenger, has showcased elite-level jiu-jitsu and increasingly polished striking throughout his career. While primarily a featherweight, a move up to lightweight for this contest would mark a significant challenge for "T-City." This bout promises a high-level technical battle, particularly if it hits the mat, with both fighters capable of securing fight-ending submissions.
Another reported bout that has garnered significant attention features Brazilian legend Patricio Pitbull against South Korea’s Doo Ho Choi. The inclusion of Patricio "Pitbull" Freire on a UFC card is particularly noteworthy, given his extensive and decorated career as a multiple-division champion in Bellator MMA. If confirmed as the same fighter, this would represent a monumental crossover event, sparking immense interest across the combat sports landscape. Pitbull, renowned for his powerful striking and comprehensive skill set, has long been considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters outside the UFC. He would face Doo Ho Choi, the "Korean Superboy," a featherweight known for his precise and devastating striking, though he has experienced an inconsistent run in recent years. This matchup, if it materializes, would be a striking fan’s dream, pitting two elite stand-up artists against each other.
The card is also expected to include a middleweight clash between Ryan Gandra and Ozzy Diaz. Both fighters are looking to establish themselves more firmly in the deep middleweight division. Gandra, known for his well-rounded skill set, will aim to neutralize Diaz’s aggressive approach. Diaz, often characterized by his willingness to engage in firefights, will seek to impose his power and pressure early in the contest. This bout represents a crucial step for both men in their aspirations to climb the divisional ladder.
In the women’s strawweight or flyweight division, Brazil’s Eduarda Moura is slated to meet Australia’s Casey O’Neill. Moura, an emerging talent, will look to continue her ascent in the women’s ranks, showcasing her developing striking and ground game. O’Neill, a formidable flyweight with a strong grappling background and improving striking, has been a consistent performer, despite a recent injury layoff. This fight could be a significant stepping stone for either fighter in their quest for a spot in the divisional rankings, offering a blend of technical prowess and aggressive exchanges.
As UFC 331 approaches, the anticipation for a marquee headliner continues to build. However, the confirmed and reported undercard matchups already promise a night of high-octane action. The presence of established veterans like Shahbazyan and Ferreira, coupled with intriguing cross-divisional and international matchups, underscores the UFC’s commitment to delivering a memorable event for fight fans in Los Angeles and around the globe. The "Brazil vs. The World" theme adds an extra layer of excitement, highlighting the global talent pool within mixed martial arts and setting the stage for potential rivalries and unforgettable performances.
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