Justin Gaethje did not hide his view on a withdrawal. He said Arman Tsarukyan lost his title chance due to a cut that was going nowhere. Gaethje said Tsarukyan withdrew because of it. He also said Tsarukyan will be Ruffy's first real 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 in a memorable finish. The finish was the talking point of the show. UFC 331 will be topped by Van vs. Pantoja 2. UFC veteran Din Thomas pointed to a 35-year curse in the build-up. That curse still hangs over the card. The weight issue reset the focus 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.