Arman Tsarukyan: UFC guaranteed title shot with win over Mauricio Ruffy

Arman Tsarukyan revealed how his UFC 331 co-headliner against Mauricio Ruffy came together after a last-minute change of plans. The lightweight contender had already agreed to rematch former champion Charles Oliveira and begun his training camp in Armenia when the UFC informed him of a switch in opponents following the tragic death of Oliveira's teammate, Allan Nascimento. Rather than wait or pull out, Tsarukyan accepted the Ruffy matchup to stay active after a year without fighting. More significantly, Tsarukyan claims the UFC has guaranteed him a title shot if he defeats Ruffy, providing clear incentive for victory at the event. The fighter previously suggested that Oliveira used his teammate's death as an excuse to withdraw from the bout, though he has refocused entirely on the opportunity in front of him.