Real American Freestyle
Arman Tsarukyan believes there is a big risk fighting Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331, and he’s taking it as a good or die situation.
Tsarukyan and Ruffy are scheduled to collide on Sept. 19 in Los Angeles. “Batman’s” team is under the belief that a lightweight title fight against Justin Gaethje will be granted with a win, but UFC CEO Dana White isn’t committing to it just yet. While Tsarukyan thinks a win will bring him closer to the promised man, he feels a defeat could be disastrous.
In a video uploaded on his YouTube channel, Tsarukyan said a UFC title fight may never be in the cards for him if he can’t get past Ruffy.
“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.”
While Tsarukyan has long been viewed as the rightful No. 1 contender, his removal from a planned championship fight with Islam Makhachev back in early 2025 led to a dicey relationship with the UFC brass. White also claimed that issues behind the scenes did “Batman” no favors. It appears Tsarukyan’s efforts on social media and his willingness to take the Ruffy fight may have helped sway things in his favor.
If Tsarukyan can defeat Ruffy in convincing fashion, it would be difficult to deny him a title fight with Gaethje at some point in 2027. Gaethje is expected to remain sidelined for the rest of 2026 due to hand injuries. What transpires in the 155-pound division in the meanwhile will be interesting to watch.
Do you think Arman Tsarukyan is facing a must-win situation at UFC 331 against Mauricio Ruffy? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
