Dana White Reacts as Tsarukyan vs. Ruffy Face-off Almost Gets Physical
Tensions flare between Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy at the UFC 331 faceoff as Dana White delivers a two-word reaction to the near-altercation.
The UFC 331 co-main event took a dramatic turn as Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy nearly got into a physical confrontation at the ceremonial weigh-ins. Before things escalated, UFC CEO Dana White quickly stepped in. However, his two-word reaction captured the sudden tense situation between the lightweights.
Dana White Reacts as Tsarukyan and Ruffy Nearly Clash
While Tsarukyan and Ruffy had maintained mostly cordial interactions during fight week, their final face-off in Los Angeles ahead of their five-round UFC 331 matchup delivered a different tone. Soon after stepping off the scale, Tsarukyan approached Ruffy, who was seen extending his fist for the customary face-off.
However, as Tsarukyan stepped into Ruffy’s extended hand, the Brazilian pushed him off, causing both security and White to rush in before the feuding fighters could become aggressive.
White’s immediate reaction was captured on camera as he rushed to break up the scene.
“Oh s***!” exclaimed White, as the dust settled around the two combatants.
Given Tsarukyan’s recent heated weigh-in moment with Dan Hooker in November 2025, where he head-butted Hooker during their ceremonial face-off, White was particularly cautious about not letting a similar situation escalate with Ruffy.
This moment provided an unexpected change of pace for the promotion just a day before the two lightweight contenders are set to finally meet inside the Octagon and settle their differences.
Tsarukyan and Ruffy Have Plenty at Stake at UFC 331
The fight added intrigue to an already highly anticipated clash for the lightweight division. Tsarukyan and Ruffy are all set to face-off in a five-round co-main event, where the winner could earn a UFC title shot in the future.
Both fighters have been trading confidence throughout fight week. While Tsarukyan has been emphasizing his all-round skill set, telling reporters, “I’m better everywhere,” Ruffy, on the other hand, has already predicted finishing his opponent and earning his way toward a title opportunity.
Now, after an intense final face-off, all eyes will be on Ruffy and Tsarukyan when the Octagon doors finally close at UFC 331, where White was forced to step in at the weigh-ins.
