Tsarukyan's Road to Redemption: A Win Over Ruffy at UFC 331 Won't Guarantee Him a Title Shot

Arman Tsarukyan is well aware that a victory over Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 will not automatically grant him a title shot. The fighter has been vocal about his desire to compete for the championship, but the path to success is often filled with unexpected twists and turns. With the likes of Justin Gaethje and Islam Makhachev currently holding onto the lightweight title, Tsarukyan understands that the fight game is unforgiving and that every contest presents a unique challenge.

The Armenian veteran, widely known as 'Batman,' has faced numerous setbacks throughout his career, including a high-profile title shot against Islam Makhachev that fell through due to injury. Since then, Tsarukyan has been working tirelessly to improve his craft, competing in various grappling and freestyle competitions to maintain his peak physical condition. In an exclusive interview with MMA Fighting, Tsarukyan acknowledged the uncertainty that comes with being a professional fighter.

'In this sport, not everything is guaranteed,' Tsarukyan stated unequivocally. 'You've got to be ready; you've got to beat [anyone]. If they give me one more fight, I'll beat; 10 more fights, I'll beat, and eventually I'll become a champion.' This determination has driven Tsarukyan to stay active in the sport, even after being passed over for title opportunities on multiple occasions.

Tsarukyan's next bout against Ruffy in the co-main event of UFC 331 will be his chance to prove himself once again. The fighter expects a tough opponent in the well-rounded Ruffy, but is confident in his own abilities. The Russian MMA star has expressed his desire to compete in Los Angeles, making the UFC 331 event a homecoming of sorts.

When asked about his decision to accept the challenge of facing Ruffy, Tsarukyan explained, 'I was waiting for the title fight, but Gaethje, he doesn't want to fight this year, so they give me an opportunity to fight in my almost-hometown, in L.A., and I said yes.' This opportunity represents a chance for Tsarukyan to gain momentum and build momentum towards a title shot.

Given the uncertainty surrounding the future of the lightweight title, Tsarukyan hopes to use his potential title fight to stay busy and set a high pace for the rest of 2026. The Russian fighter has expressed his ambition to become a champion, and sees his potential showdown against Ruffy as a crucial step towards realizing that goal.

Tsarukyan's future in the UFC is far from certain, but one thing is clear: he is determined to make the most of every opportunity that comes his way. With a win over Ruffy, he will undoubtedly position himself for a potential title shot in the coming months. However, for now, Tsarukyan remains focused on one fight at a time — a mindset that has allowed him to thrive in a highly competitive and unforgiving sport.

UFC 331 is set to take place on September 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja facing off in the main event. The event promises to be an entertaining spectacle, with a mix of established stars and up-and-coming talent on display.