Deep Waters Crew Drops a Fiery Preview of UFC 331’s Most
The Deep Waters podcast crew—Dustin Poirier, Jorge Masvidal, Chris Weidman, and Din Thomas—delivered a sharp, high‑energy breakdown of the upcoming UFC 331 fight card, offering technical insight, veteran perspective, and bold predictions across a lineup stacked with volatility, legacy, and rising-star intrigue.
Joshua Van vs. Alexandre Pantoja 2
The crew opened with a deep dive into the flyweight rematch between Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja, a bout that showcases the modern flyweight era at its absolute peak. They praised the division’s evolution—elite scrambling, explosive power, and razor‑sharp technique—and highlighted how both fighters embody that shift.
The panel leaned toward Pantoja, citing his suffocating top game, championship composure, and standout performances in recent training camps. Van’s speed and creativity remain undeniable, but the consensus was clear: Pantoja’s grappling advantage could be the deciding factor in a fight expected to produce chaos in every exchange.
Patricio Pitbull vs. Dooho Choi
Next up was the striker’s delight between Patricio Pitbull and Dooho Choi, a matchup the crew unanimously labeled a potential “banger.” Pitbull’s longevity and durability continue to impress, especially given the wars he has survived across multiple divisions. Choi, meanwhile, brings a slick, high‑output style that has made him a fan favorite since his UFC debut.
The hosts expect a firefight—fast hands, sharp counters, and momentum swings that could flip the narrative at any moment. Pitbull’s experience gives him an edge in the eyes of the panel, but Choi’s explosiveness makes this one of the card’s most unpredictable matchups.
Renato Moicano vs. Brian Ortega
The conversation shifted to Renato Moicano vs. Brian Ortega, a bout loaded with storyline and consequence. Ortega’s career has been defined by unforgettable wars—battles that earned him respect but also added significant mileage to his body. The crew acknowledged his toughness and championship-level heart but noted that the accumulation of damage has become a real factor.
Moicano, on the other hand, enters with momentum and a reputation for elite grappling paired with underrated physical strength. The panel emphasized his ability to control positions, dictate pace, and force opponents into uncomfortable exchanges. They expect Moicano to present a serious challenge for Ortega, especially if the fight becomes a battle of attrition.
Gable Steveson vs. Sean Sharaf
The final breakdown centered on Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson, who continues his transition into MMA with a heavyweight matchup against Sean Sharaf. The hosts highlighted Steveson’s world-class wrestling pedigree—arguably one of the most impressive to ever enter the sport—and noted his surprising comfort on the feet for an athlete still early in his development.
However, they also urged caution. Heavyweight striking is unforgiving, and Steveson’s defensive awareness remains a work in progress. Sharaf’s experience and power make him a legitimate threat, especially if Steveson overcommits or leaves openings during exchanges. Still, the crew expressed optimism about Steveson’s long-term potential, calling him one of the most intriguing prospects on the card.
Citation Sources
- Deep Waters Podcast —
https://www.youtube.com/@deepwaterspod(youtube.com in Bing) - UFC — https://www.ufc.com
Article Tags
UFC 331, Dustin Poirier, Jorge Masvidal, Chris Weidman, Din Thomas, Joshua Van, Alexandre Pantoja, Patricio Pitbull, Dooho Choi, Renato Moicano, Brian Ortega, Gable Steveson, Sean Sharaf, MMA News, Fight Predictions, UFC Preview
