Derving breaks down UFC 331 with former MMA fighter and teammate Sam “3rd Degree” Burns, using the card as a lens for pressure, adaptation, and what separates fighters who stay composed from those who fall apart. They cover Joshua Van’s title-level poise, Arman Tsarukyan’s ability to adjust when wrestling is shut down, Casey O’Neill’s submission reversal, Sean Sharaf’s career-changing upset, and the reality of losing streaks at the highest level.

Sam adds firsthand perspective from life inside the cage, including fight camps, injuries, weight cuts, and the mental grind of competing when every mistake can flip a fight in seconds.

Key topics

• In this episode, Derving and Sam Burns open with the biggest takeaway from UFC 331: a changing of the guard, with veterans getting tested and newer names taking over.

• Joshua Van’s win over Alexandre Pantoja is used to explain the pressure of being a champion and why defending a belt can be harder than winning it.

• Sam breaks down Van’s striking as some of the cleanest boxing in the division, with elite footwork, counters, and takedown defense.

• The conversation digs into why Van’s five-round performance mattered more than the first result and why finishing pressure builds on champions.

• Arman Tsarukyan’s win over Charles Oliveira is framed as a lesson in patience and adaptation when the A game is being defended well.

• Sam explains how a fighter has to keep working the original game plan long enough for the opening to appear, rather than forcing a bad adjustment too early.

• Sean Sharaf’s knockout of Gable Steveson is discussed as one of the biggest upsets in UFC history, and Sam shares how one big win can transform a fighter’s career.

• The panel also covers the reality of losing streaks, especially for fighters like Tai Tuivasa, where confidence, identity, and future opportunities all get squeezed at once.

• Casey O’Neill’s submission recovery becomes a jiu-jitsu example of staying calm under pressure and turning defense into offense.

• Patricio Pitbull’s callout of Jean Silva is treated as a smart matchmaking move that could create a real dogfight and boost Pitbull’s standing in the division.

• Watch how champions handle pressure, not just how they win.

• Pay attention to mid-fight adjustments, especially when plan A gets denied.

• Study how elite fighters manage pace, cardio, and composure over five rounds.

• Remember that big upsets can reshape an entire division overnight.

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Action items

• • Watch how champions handle pressure, not just how they win.
  • Pay attention to mid-fight adjustments, especially when plan A gets denied.
  • Study how elite fighters manage pace, cardio, and composure over five rounds.
  • Remember that big upsets can reshape an entire division overnight.