Arman Tsarukyan Knocks Out Mauricio Ruffy in UFC 331 Co-Main Event

Arman Tsarukyan made an emphatic statement in the co-main event of UFC 331, securing a brutal first-round knockout victory over Mauricio Ruffy. The lightweight contender needed very little time to make an impact, finishing the fight without having to rely on his wrestling to secure a ground stoppage.

During the opening round, Tsarukyan initially attempted a single-leg takedown before transitioning to a body lock against the fence. While Ruffy effectively resisted the takedown attempts along the cage, Tsarukyan broke through with an unexpected striking attack. The lightweight contender unleashed a short inside elbow followed immediately by a second blow, knocking Ruffy unconscious and sending him crashing to the canvas.

Following the stoppage, Tsarukyan immediately scaled the Octagon to celebrate with UFC CEO Dana White and declared his desire to compete for the championship next. "I came here to save this city," Tsarukyan said during his post-fight interview. "Today, Los Angeles is going to have fun.

First elbow is from this coach, second elbow is from this coach. [It has to be] title fight or Mark Zuckerberg, I want to fight you next." With reigning UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje holding the belt, Tsarukyan made it clear he intends to fight for the title in his next appearance.