Mauricio Ruffy’s takedown defense was on point at UFC 331 against top contender Arman Tsarukyan. However, Tsarukyan had other plans tonight.

Fight recap

All that training with Alexander Volkanovski paid off. Mauricio Ruffy remained composed, defended most of Arman Tsarukyan’s takedown attempts, and refused to let the Armenian drag him to the mat. He also stunned Tsarukyan on the feet, and the latter’s eye swelled early in the round after he absorbed some heavy shots in the clinch and even during the stand-up battle.

Late in the round, the Armenian attempted another takedown but decided to abandon the plan. Instead, he caught the Brazilian KO artist with a beautiful left elbow. Ruffy was already unconscious after eating that shot, but Tsarukyan caught his head and landed another elbow to send him to the shadow realm.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 19: Arman Tsarukyan of Georgia knocks out Mauricio Ruffy of Brazil in a lightweight fight during the UFC 331 event at Crypto.com Arena on September 19, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC)

Official decision: Arman Tsarukyan defeated Mauricio Ruffy in Round 1 (4:56) by KO at UFC 331.

Batman” jumped outside the octagon, shook Dana White’s hand, and asked for his title shot. After that, he hugged Nina-Marie Daniele to celebrate the wild KO victory.

UFC 331: Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy – Highlights

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.