Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy have to be separated at UFC 331 final faceoff

Arman Tsarukyan nearly sparked a brawl at the UFC 331 ceremonial weigh-ins on Friday in Los Angeles, stepping aggressively into opponent Mauricio Ruffy during their final faceoff. The incident required security intervention after Ruffy pushed back, though no punches were thrown. The two were scheduled to meet in the co-main event lightweight title eliminator on Saturday.

Tsarukyan has a documented history of aggressive behaviour at weigh-ins and faceoffs. Most notably, he headbutted Dan Hooker before their fight at UFC Qatar in November, earning criticism from the UFC despite his pre-fight theatrics. While Tsarukyan and Ruffy had remained relatively cordial throughout fight week, the tension exploded at the ceremonial weigh-ins when Tsarukyan rushed toward Ruffy, who was posing with his fist extended. The encounter appeared deliberate rather than accidental, consistent with Tsarukyan's established pattern of confrontational weigh-in behaviour.

The main event featured a contrasting dynamic: flyweight champion Alexander Pantoja and challenger Joshua Van, who had feuded throughout the week leading into their title rematch. Despite elevated tension between them, both fighters kept their composure at the ceremonial faceoff, maintaining professionalism with handshakes and verbal exchanges. "That's opportunity. I'm grateful. But what happened in December, it's not going to happen tomorrow," Pantoja said, referencing their previous meeting. Van countered with his own war cry: "It ain't no accident. It happened the way it did, and it was meant to be. Tomorrow, we kill or be killed!"

Tsarukyan's repeated faceoff incidents risk further disciplinary action from the UFC, which has already expressed concern about his conduct. Saturday's fights would determine whether his aggression translates into octagon performance or continues as a liability in his career trajectory.