Arman Tsarukyan has confessed why he is treating his next fight like a title bout.

Tsarukyan will lock horns with Mauricio Ruffy in the co-main event of UFC 331 next weekend. Ahead of this five-round high-stakes lightweight matchup, the 29-year-old said he believes that if he loses to the ‘best striker in the division, ‘ Ruffy, he will never have a chance to fight for the undisputed UFC 155-pound strap. He said:

“I’m taking Mauricio Ruffy like my title fight… If I’m gonna lose this fight, I’m never gonna see a title fight. So that’s why I’m super motivated, super hungry… He has a good punch. He knocked out a lot of people, but now it’s my time.”

Check out Arman Tsarukyan’s comments below:

Ruffy and Tsarukyan previously claimed the UFC 331 co-main event winner will fight champion Justin Gaethje. But Dana White hasn’t said the same and wants to see how the bout plays out before deciding who will be the next title challenger.

Even if Tsarukyan wins, the UFC can grant Ilia Topuria an immediate title rematch, and most recently, White has also shown interest in a potential Topuria vs. Gaethje 2 matchup.

Despite being a top contender, Tsarukyan has not been in the good books of the UFC head honcho because of his last-minute UFC 311 pullout and his antics inside and outside the octagon.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 14: (L-R) Opponents Arman Tsarukyan of Georgia and Mauricio Ruffy of Brazil face off during the UFC 331 press conference at Xfinity Mobile Arena on August 14, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC)

UFC lightweight champion wants Mauricio Ruffy to hit Arman Tsarukyan “really hard”

Newly minted UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, who is not a fan of Arman Tsarukyan’s wrestling-heavy fight style, wants Mauricio Ruffy to punish the Armenian fighter once the octagon door shuts at UFC 331. During a recent sit-down with Demetrious Johnson, “The Highlight” quipped:

“I hope he gets hit really hard. I hope Arman gets hit hard. It would be fun to see.”

Check out Justin Gaethje’s comments about Arman Tsarukyan below:

Subham

Subham is a writer and editor with experience spanning MMA, Health & Fitness, true crime, and pop culture. He has previously worked with Sportskeeda MMA, SK True Crime, and SK Pop, Movies, and Shows.
He currently covers the UFC for LowKickMMA and MMA Pros Picks.