Arman Tsarukyan prepares for key fight at UFC 331 against Mauricio Ruffy
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 18, 2026, 6:27 PM
Last updated Sep 18, 2026
Arman Tsarukyan faces Mauricio Ruffy in a five-round co-main event at UFC 331 on September 18. A victory could position Tsarukyan for a title shot, having previously been slated for a No. 1 contender bout against Dan Hooker. However, Ilia Topuria's recent remarks and a challenging bout with Justin Gaethje complicate the lightweight division. Topuria seems to be seeking a rematch with Gaethje, raising questions about Tsarukyan's path forward in the division.
- •Arman Tsarukyan fights Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 on September 18.
- •A win could secure Tsarukyan a title shot in the lightweight division.
- •Ilia Topuria is pushing for a rematch with Justin Gaethje after his last fight.
- •Tsarukyan previously withdrew from a title opportunity due to injury.
- •Topuria's push complicates the current hierarchy in the lightweight rankings.
- 6:27 PMYahoo Sports — UFC 331: Arman Tsarukyan is fighting for a title shot, but is Ilia Topuria still in the driver's seat?
"Even if Tsarukyan delivers an impressive win Saturday, a title shot isn't guaranteed for the division's most deserving contender.
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