Arman Tsarukyan knows a win over Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 doesn’t guarantee him a title shot

Arman Tsarukyan faces Mauricio Ruffy in the co-main event of UFC 331 on September 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, but the lightweight contender understands that victory alone may not fast-track him to a title shot.

Tsarukyan's path to gold has been complicated. Nineteen months ago, he was scheduled to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title at UFC 311 but withdrew during fight week due to injury. That cancellation, combined with subsequent personal issues, led the UFC to bypass him for title opportunities multiple times—even after he served as a backup for the vacant title bout at UFC 317 and finished Dana Hooker at UFC Qatar in November.

With new lightweight champion Justin Gaethje indicating he will not fight again in 2026, Tsarukyan pivoted to staying active rather than waiting idle. He accepted the Ruffy bout, which he views as an intriguing matchup of wrestling versus striking that should entertain fans. Earlier, he had also agreed to fight Charles Oliveira in Los Angeles before Oliveira withdrew due to a personal situation.

"In this sport, not everything is guaranteed," Tsarukyan told MMA Fighting. "You've got to be ready; you've got to beat [anyone]." He expressed willingness to take multiple fights if necessary en route to the belt, emphasizing his youth and hunger. Between UFC competition, Tsarukyan has remained busy in freestyle wrestling and grappling competitions.

Once he captures the lightweight title, Tsarukyan plans to shift his focus exclusively to the octagon, aiming to fight at least three times per year. UFC 331 will be headlined by a flyweight title rematch between Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja.