Tsarukyan Accepts UFC 331 Fight With Ruffy as 2026 Title Shot Remains Uncertain
Updated
Updated · MMA Fighting · Aug 15
Tsarukyan Accepts UFC 331 Fight With Ruffy as 2026 Title Shot Remains Uncertain
3 articles · Updated · MMA Fighting · Aug 15
Summary
UFC 331 on Sept. 19 will feature Arman Tsarukyan against Mauricio Ruffy in Los Angeles, with Tsarukyan saying even a win may not lock up a lightweight title shot.
Justin Gaethje’s decision not to fight again in 2026 pushed Tsarukyan to stay active instead of waiting for the belt, leading him to accept the co-main-event booking.
Tsarukyan said he had also agreed to face Charles Oliveira before that matchup fell through, and he framed Ruffy as a wrestler-versus-striker fight that should appeal to fans.
Nineteen months after an injury scrapped his UFC 311 title challenge against Islam Makhachev, Tsarukyan is still trying to rebuild his path after being passed over despite serving as a backup and beating Dan Hooker.
The 155-pound contender said his goal is to become an active champion, arguing his age and size allow him to fight at least three times a year once he wins the belt.