Arman Tsarukyan is stepping into the Octagon against Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 on September 19 in Los Angeles, and the lightweight division needs to pay attention. This isn’t just another fight: UFC CBO Hunter Campbell personally guaranteed Tsarukyan a shot at the undisputed lightweight title if he wins. Yeah, you read that right.
The Charles Oliveira Rematch That Wasn’t
The road to this Ruffy fight has been wild, too. Tsarukyan, 29, spilled the beans on “The Ariel Helwani Show” that a huge rematch against Charles Oliveira was originally on the docket for UFC 331. It was supposed to be a five-round co-main event, a massive clash after Tsarukyan snatched a hard-fought three-round split decision win over the former champ at UFC 300 back in April 2024. Oliveira’s gone 3-1 since then, even grabbing the ceremonial BMF title. But then, as Tsarukyan put it, while he was in training camp, the UFC called with a new name: Ruffy. Oliveira, according to Tsarukyan, cited the recent death of a friend and an inability to train as his reason for declining the rematch. Yet, just days later, Oliveira was doing live trainings and linked to a fight with Diego Lopes. Tsarukyan wasn’t buying it: “I don’t understand. In three days, he’s doing live trainings and back in the camp, probably they already set up a fight with Diego Lopes. He was just finding an excuse, and I don’t know , everybody is different, yeah. To lose somebody is so hard, but like, you could beat me and dedicate this victory to your friend. But you never know. Of course, [if the choice is] fighting me or Diego Lopes, for sure he would pick Diego Lopes.”
This Fight Is Different: A Guarantee from the Top
Forget the Oliveira drama for a sec, because this Ruffy fight has some serious heat attached. Tsarukyan revealed he met with UFC CBO Hunter Campbell, and that meeting solidified everything. A win over Mauricio Ruffy doesn’t just bump Tsarukyan up the rankings, it *guarantees* him the lightweight title shot he’s been chasing. He even said, “It’s different when your manager is telling you something that they were told, but when you sit with somebody and shake their hand, it’s going to be like that.” This isn’t just hearsay: this is a handshake deal from the top. Plus, this Ruffy bout is set to be his biggest payday ever, making the decision to stay active a no-brainer. Tsarukyan hasn’t just been waiting around since his November second-round submission of Dan Hooker, either. He’s stacked up a 7-1 record in wrestling matches with Real American Freestyle and gone 3-0-1 in submission grappling in 2026. He’s hungry and ready for reigning champ Justin Gaethje.
So, mark your calendars for September 19 in Los Angeles. Arman Tsarukyan knows what’s on the line against Mauricio Ruffy: not just a win, but a guaranteed shot at Justin Gaethje and the undisputed lightweight crown. He’s got a direct line to the top now, and it all comes down to showing up and proving he’s “the best,” just like he believes. The lightweight division better be ready, because if Tsarukyan wins, he’s coming for gold.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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