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Mauricio Ruffy wants to deliver a scintillating knockout over Arman Tsarukyan following the announcement of their bout.
Many fans expected Tsarukyan and BMF titleholder Charles Oliveira to have a rematch with possible lightweight title implications. UFC officials threw a curveball on Wednesday, revealing that Tsarukyan will instead collide with Ruffy. Longtime MMA journalist Ariel Helwani said he was told the UFC brass informed Tsarukyan that he will get a 155-pound title shot if he defeats Ruffy.
Ruffy plans to play the role of spoiler in an effort to lay his own claim to a shot at Justin Gaethje for the UFC Lightweight Championship. Taking to social media, the exciting knockout artist said his sole goal is to put Tsarukyan to sleep on Sept. 19 in Los Angeles.
Mauricio Ruffy says the only result he wants against Arman Tsarukyan is a knockout win 👀
“Winning this fight takes us straight to the title. I don’t feel pressure at all. I’m going there for the knockout, I don’t want to leave the octagon without that result.”
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 6, 2026
“Winning this fight takes us straight to the title,” Ruffy said. “I don’t feel pressure at all. I’m going there for the knockout, I don’t want to leave the octagon without that result.”
Ruffy has rebounded nicely after a disappointing submission loss to Benoit Saint Denis back in Sept. 2025. The Brazilian bruiser responded with TKO finishes over Rafael Fiziev and Michael Chandler. Some are skeptical of Ruffy’s ability to avoid Tsarukyan’s grappling long enough to land something significant, but the top 10-ranked 155-pounder plans to prove the doubters wrong.
Tsarukyan is widely regarded as the most deserving contender at lightweight, and he looks to turn in a dominant performance to finally seal the deal on his title shot. After failing to make it to weigh-in day before a planned championship fight against Islam Makhachev due to an injury in early 2025, Tsarukyan found himself in the dog house. As of late, UFC CEO Dana White has warmed up to “Akhalkalakets” due to his social media efforts.
What chance do you give Mauricio Ruffy of pulling off an upset over Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 331? Join in on the conversation in the comments below.
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
