Arman Tsarukyan Views Mauricio Ruffy Clash at UFC 331 as Do-or-Die

Arman Tsarukyan enters UFC 331 with immense stakes on the line, believing his upcoming bout against Mauricio Ruffy is a must-win situation if he hopes to ever compete for the UFC lightweight championship. Tsarukyan was originally scheduled to challenge Islam Makhachev for the 155-pound title in January 2025, but a last-minute back injury forced him out of the contest, and he has not been granted another title shot since.

Nearly two years after the withdrawal, Tsarukyan remains the division's No. 1 contender, but he faces a crucial test instead of competing directly for gold. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Tsarukyan explained that he is approaching the matchup as a vital stepping stone to the belt.

"I'm taking Mauricio Ruffy as an opponent for my title fight," Tsarukyan said. "If I lose this fight, I'm never going to see a title fight. That's why I'm super motivated for this fight, super hungry.

I've been working so hard for that moment."

Heading into the contest, Tsarukyan is heavily favored due to his suffocating wrestling attack and dominant grappling skillset. Even so, the contender stressed that he will not overlook Ruffy's dangerous stand-up threat. "I never underestimate him, especially his striking," Tsarukyan said.

"I've got to be so smart during the fight because he has a good punch, so he's knocked out a lot of people. I'm not saying it's going to be an easy fight. It's going to be a hard fight but I get the victory."

Tsarukyan vs. Ruffy is scheduled as the co-main event for UFC 331 on Sept. 19. The event is headlined by a five-round flyweight championship bout featuring titleholder Joshua Van defending his belt against former champion Alexandre Pantoja.