Tsarukyan’s Brutal Truth: Beating Ruffy Still Won’t Get Title Shot
Arman Tsarukyan: The Patient Contender Waiting for His Shot at Gold
The Long Road Back to the Octagon
Imagine training for months for the biggest fight of your life—only to get hurt right before you step in the cage. That’s exactly what happened to Arman Tsarukyan.
Nineteen months ago, Tsarukyan (nicknamed "Batman") was scheduled to challenge Islam Makhachev for the UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 311. But during fight week—the most critical time—he suffered an injury and had to pull out.
Important Callout
In the UFC, pulling out of a title fight—especially at the last minute—can cost you your spot in line. Even though it wasn’t his fault, the organization moved on.
What Happened Since Then?
Tsarukyan didn’t just sit around. Here’s what he’s been up to:
- Competed in Real American Freestyle wrestling events
- Entered multiple grappling competitions to stay sharp
- Weighed in as the official backup fighter for the vacant title fight at UFC 317
- Returned to action in November, finishing Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar (note: original text said "Dana Hooker," but this refers to Dan Hooker)
Despite all that, the UFC passed him over for a title shot several times.
The Next Challenge: Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331
Now, Tsarukyan is set to face Mauricio Ruffy in the co-main event of UFC 331 on September 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles—his "almost-hometown" crowd.
Why This Fight Matters
| Fighter | Style | Why It’s Exciting |
|---|---|---|
| Arman Tsarukyan | Elite wrestler, relentless pressure | Wants to prove he’s still title-ready |
| Mauricio Ruffy | Dynamic striker, flashy finishes | Dangerous on the feet, fan favorite |
Important Callout
This is a classic "Wrestler vs. Striker" matchup—one of the most fun style clashes in MMA. Fans love it because anything can happen.
Tsarukyan’s Mindset: “Nothing Is Guaranteed”
Even with a win, Tsarukyan knows a title shot isn’t automatic. Here’s what he told MMA Fighting:
“In this sport, not everything is guaranteed. You’ve got to be ready; you’ve got to beat [anyone]. If they give me one more fight, I’ll beat them. Ten more fights? I’ll beat them all. Eventually, I’ll become a champion.”
He’s not bitter. He’s focused.
Why Not Wait for the Title?
Good question. Here’s the chain of events:
- Justin Gaethje upset Ilia Topuria (at an event referred to as "UFC White House" in the source) to win the lightweight belt
- Gaethje then said he doesn’t want to fight again in 2026
- With the champion inactive, Tsarukyan had two choices:
- Sit and wait (risky—rankings shift, momentum fades)
- Stay active and fight Ruffy in LA
He chose Option B.
Important Callout
Tsarukyan originally wanted a fight with former champ Charles Oliveira, but Oliveira withdrew due to a personal situation ("situation with his friend"). Ruffy stepped up—and Tsarukyan said yes immediately.
The Bigger Picture: Tsarukyan Wants to Be an Active Champion
Tsarukyan isn’t just chasing the belt—he wants to defend it often.
- Goal: Fight 3 times a year as champion
- Reasoning: “When you’re champ, you can fight as much as possible. That’s why I become champion: stay active.”
- Advantage: He’s young, hungry, and not too big for 155 lbs—making weight cuts manageable for frequent fights
UFC 331: Full Event Snapshot
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | September 19 |
| Venue | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles |
| Main Event | Flyweight Title Rematch: Joshua Van vs. Alexandre Pantoja |
| Co-Main Event | Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy (Lightweight) |
Summary
- Arman Tsarukyan was this close to a title shot 19 months ago—until injury derailed everything
- He stayed busy with wrestling, grappling, and a win over Dan Hooker
- UFC didn’t give him the next title shot—Justin Gaethje got it, then went inactive
- Tsarukyan chose to fight Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 in LA instead of waiting
- His philosophy: “Beat everyone they put in front of me until I’m champ”
- Long-term goal: Be a fighting champion who defends 3x/year
FAQ
Why did Tsarukyan lose his title shot after getting injured?
In the UFC, last-minute pullouts—especially for title fights—disrupt promotions, TV deals, and opponent prep. Even if it’s not the fighter’s fault, the organization often moves on to keep the division moving.
Who is Mauricio Ruffy, and why is this a good fight?
Ruffy is a rising Brazilian striker known for knockouts and flashy technique. Tsarukyan is a top-tier wrestler. This style clash (grappling vs. striking) makes for high-action, unpredictable fights fans love.
What does “backup fighter” mean?
A backup fighter officially weigh in and prepares like they’re fighting. If the main or co-main event fighter gets hurt or misses weight, the backup steps in. Tsarukyan did this at UFC 317—showing he was ready.
Why doesn’t Justin Gaethje want to fight in 2026?
The article doesn’t specify, but champions sometimes take time off for injuries, contract negotiations, or personal reasons. His inactivity opened the door for Tsarukyan to stay busy.
Can Tsarukyan really fight three times a year as champ?
It’s rare but possible. Most champs fight 1–2 times yearly due to injuries, negotiations, or scheduling. But Tsarukyan’s size (easy 155 cut), youth, and activity level make it more realistic for him than most.