Dana White does not intend to confirm whether the winner of the Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy bout will march forward to challenge UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje.

Ruffy and Tsarukyan will lock horns in the co-main event of UFC 331. Ahead of this high-stakes bout, both fighters have confirmed that the UFC brass has told them the winner will become the next lightweight title challenger.

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)

However, Dana White may have other plans. White does not intend to reveal if the UFC 331 co-main event winner will get the next title shot until the fight is over. The UFC CEO wants to see how the fight goes, and based on that, the decision will be made. During an interview with Sports Central LA, White said:

“I hate to say that until the fight is over… Arman says a lot of things… Listen, let’s see how this fight plays out.”

Check out Dana White’s comments about Arman Tsarukyan below:

Tsarukyan has spent nearly 2 years to get back in the good books of White. His eleventh-hour UFC 311 pullout, punching a fan at UFC 300, headbutting Dan Hooker last year, brawling outside the octagon, and several other factors are among the reasons why he has not received a title shot despite being the top 155-pound contender.

Arman Tsarukyan has predicted a violent finish against Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331

With Arman Tsarukyan’s grappling and wrestling advantage over knockout artist Mauriuco Ruffy, most expect the Armenian to lean heavily on his wrestling to get the fight to the mat and submit Ruffy. Instead, the 29-year-old has a completely different game plan. He has predicted a violent Round 3 TKO finish at UFC 331. During a candid chat with streamer N3on, “Ahalkalakets” said:

“My prediction is stoppage… Round 3 stoppage via TKO. Elbows, elbows. [I’ll] cut his face.”

Check out Arman Tsarukyan’s comments 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.