“Winning Isn’t Enough”: Mauricio Ruffy Sends Knockout Warning to Arman Tsarukyan Ahead of Title Eliminator Bout
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The #10 lightweight contender Mauricio Ruffy confirmed that a win against Arman Tsarukyan will earn him a title shot next, and he has no intention of leaving it to the judges.
The Brazilian striker has built his entire career on one premise: he doesn’t do boring fights. Thirteen of his fourteen wins have come via knockout.
Ruffy has made it clear that his next fight at UFC 331 on 19 September inside the Crypto Arena, Los Angeles, will be no different.
Arman Tsarukyan Faces Finisher Mauricio Ruffy
Hours after the fight was announced, Ruffy took to his social media and confirmed the title opportunity if he wins. “Winning this fight takes us straight to the title.”
The lightweight promised to give it everything inside the cage, as he has in previous fights, saying, "Let's go and give it our all." I feel no pressure at all."
Furthermore, Ruffy stated he isn't thinking about points or survival in this fight. He is only thinking about one thing. “I'm going there for the knockout; I don't want to leave the octagon without that result,” he concluded.
Ruffy Steps In After Charles Oliveira Withdraws
While it seems to be an entertaining battle between a dominating grappler and a slick finisher, it came under difficult circumstances.
Arman Tsarukyan was expected to compete with Charles Oliveira for the Brazilian's BMF title, a rematch following their first meeting at UFC 300.
However, ‘Do Bronx’ withdrew from the bout after the tragic passing of his Chute Boxe teammate Allan Nascimento, and Ruffy was called to replace him.
Ruffy (14-2) is riding a two-fight win streak, both knockouts against heavy hitters Michael Chandler at UFC Freedom 250 and Rafael Fiziev at UFC 325.
Meanwhile, Tsarukyan (23-3) is returning to the UFC cage after his win over Dan Hooker in November 2025. While he was active with his wrestling gigs and social media antics, he spent almost a year without a UFC fight. Riding a five-fight win streak, the Armenian is now one win away from a lightweight title opportunity.
While this is an exciting matchup, the experience gap between the two is real. Tsarukyan's resume includes a few elites. Meanwhile, Ruffy hasn't had one yet, and UFC 331 might be his golden moment.
