Between the Links: Countdown to UFC 331, Ilia Topuria’s comments, Aspinall vacates, more

The UFC returns to numbered events this week with UFC 331 in Los Angeles. Joshua Van defends his flyweight title against Alexandre Pantoja in a rematch headlining the card, while Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy square off in the co-main event for what could be a lightweight title shot opportunity. On the latest edition of Between the Links, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee break down the biggest storylines heading into Saturday's fight card, including whether a victory in the co-main event earns the winner a title shot. The panel also discusses Ilia Topuria's recent comments declaring his return and his accusations of cheating against Justin Gaethje, Scott Coker's newly launched Ki MMA promotion, and behind-the-scenes details from Monday's RAF 13 event in New York City, which featured Colby Covington versus Belal Muhammad and Khamzat Chimaev against Gilbert Burns, plus potential involvement from Ray Lewis in the promotion. The show airs live at noon ET/9 a.m. PT, with podcast versions available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.