Arman Tsarukyan opens as huge betting favorite over Justin Gaethje, Manel Kape favored over Joshua Van

Oddsmakers at major sportsbooks have installed Arman Tsarukyan as a heavy favorite in a potential lightweight title shot against Justin Gaethje, while Manel Kape is favored to dethrone flyweight champion Joshua Van in a likely next title fight.

Following UFC 331 in Los Angeles, where Van successfully defended his flyweight belt with a dominant unanimous decision over Alexandre Pantoja, bookmakers released hypothetical odds for both championship matchups. Despite Van's dominant performance—arguably the best of his career—the betting market suggests the 24-year-old champion faces an uphill battle against Kape. BetOnline initially installed Kape at -160 (implying a 61.5% win probability) against Van's +140, though public action quickly shifted the line closer to even money.

In the UFC 331 co-main event, Tsarukyan made a statement in the lightweight title picture, brutally finishing Mauricio Ruffy with a first-round knockout. The dominant performance established him as the clear frontrunner to challenge Gaethje for the 155-pound strap. The betting market is even more convinced of Tsarukyan's superiority, listing him at -450 against Gaethje's +350—translating to an 81.8% implied win probability for the Armenian fighter.

Neither matchup has been officially announced by the UFC, but both represent the likeliest next championship contests in their respective divisions. Van will look to maintain his throne despite the oddsmakers' skepticism, while Gaethje faces an uncertain title defense against a fighter who has firmly reestablished himself as the division's top contender.