Arman Tsarukyan has spent nearly two years waiting for another crack at UFC gold. Now, the lightweight contender believes everything could come down to one fight.
Tsarukyan faces rising Brazilian star Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 on Sept. 19 in Los Angeles in a matchup that carries massive implications for both men. While many fans believe a victory should finally earn Tsarukyan a title shot, UFC CEO Dana White has stopped short of making any guarantees.
That uncertainty has only increased the pressure, and Tsarukyan knows exactly what is at stake. In fact, he believes Arman Tsarukyan might not get title shot opportunities again if he falls short against Ruffy.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the No. 1-ranked lightweight made his mindset clear ahead of the biggest non-title fight of his career.
“I’m taking Mauricio Ruffy as an opponent for my title fight,” Tsarukyan said.”Every fight for me is important. I give all of myself in my training camp. If I lose this fight, I’m never going to see a title fight. That’s why I’m super motivated for this fight, super hungry. I’ve been working so hard for that moment.”
Tsarukyan’s road back to title contention has been anything but smooth. He was originally scheduled to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title in January 2025 before a back injury forced him out of the fight at the last minute.
Since then, despite maintaining his status as one of the division’s top contenders, he has watched title opportunities pass him by while working to rebuild trust with UFC matchmakers.
Now, instead of fighting for a championship at UFC 331, Tsarukyan finds himself facing one of the division’s most dangerous prospects.
While many analysts favor Tsarukyan because of his elite wrestling and grappling, the Armenian star refuses to overlook the threat that Ruffy brings to the cage.
Ruffy has built a reputation as a devastating striker with knockout power, and Tsarukyan understands that one mistake could cost him everything.
“I never underestimate him, especially his striking,” Tsarukyan said.”I’ve got to be so smart during the fight because he has a good punch, so he’s knocked out a lot of people.”
Despite the danger, Tsarukyan remains confident that his preparation and game plan will carry him through.
“Now it’s my time. I have a good game plan. It’s going to work very well,” Tsarukyan said.”I’m not saying it’s going to be an easy fight. It’s going to be a hard fight, but I get the victory.”
A convincing win over Ruffy would make it difficult for the UFC to continue overlooking Tsarukyan in the title picture. Many believe he remains the most deserving contender at 155 pounds, especially with Justin Gaethje expected to remain sidelined until 2027 due to lingering hand injuries.
Still, White’s reluctance to promise a title opportunity has created uncertainty around Tsarukyan’s future. That is why the stakes could not be higher heading into UFC 331.
For Tsarukyan, this is more than just another fight. It is a chance to prove that he still belongs at the front of the lightweight title race. But if he loses, his fears may become reality, and the narrative that Arman Tsarukyan might not get title shot consideration again could become much harder to ignore.
With his championship dreams hanging in the balance, Tsarukyan enters UFC 331 knowing that victory keeps the door open. Defeat could slam it shut.
