UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan appears to be one win away from finally securing the title opportunity he has long pursued.
According to Ariel Helwani, the UFC has informed Tsarukyan that a win over Mauricio Ruffy in the co-main event of UFC 331 will earn him the next opportunity to fight for the lightweight championship.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, the veteran journalist stated:
“I’m told Arman was told by the UFC brass, he wins this fight, he’s getting a title shot.”
Helwani also revealed that reigning lightweight champion Justin Gaethje is not expected to compete again this year:
“I’m told Justin Gaethje is not fighting for the rest of the year.”
That timeline could position the winner of Tsarukyan vs. Ruffy to challenge Gaethje for the belt early next year.
Check out Ariel Helwani’s comments below:
Ariel Helwani says Arman Tsarukyan has been promised a UFC title shot
Few contenders have built a stronger case for a championship opportunity than Arman Tsarukyan. The Armenian has spent years competing against the lightweight division’s elite, earning victories over several top-ranked opponents while consistently remaining near the top of the rankings.
Tsarukyan’s most recent appearance ended with a dominant submission victory over Dan Hooker, further reinforcing his status as one of the lightweight division’s most complete fighters. Blending elite wrestling with increasingly polished striking, ‘Ahalkalakets’ has firmly established himself among the UFC’s elite at 155 pounds.
The bout was originally expected to feature a rematch between Tsarukyan and former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. However, ‘Do Bronx’ reportedly withdrew after the passing of his close friend and longtime teammate Allan Nascimento, forcing the UFC to find a replacement.
That replacement proved to be one of the division’s fastest-rising contenders.
Why Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy is a lightweight title eliminator
Rather than delaying Tsarukyan’s return, the UFC booked him against one of the division’s fastest-rising contenders in Mauricio Ruffy.
The Brazilian striker has quickly established himself as one of the lightweight division’s most dangerous finishers. After suffering a setback against Benoit Saint Denis, Ruffy responded with statement victories over Rafael Fiziev and Michael Chandler, reasserting himself as a legitimate title contender. Known for his explosive power and aggressive striking, the 30-year-old has made it clear he intends to stop Tsarukyan and secure his own championship opportunity.
With Ilia Topuria widely expected to defend the lightweight title against Paddy Pimblett, UFC 331 could effectively determine the next challenger waiting in line. For Tsarukyan, victory would finally deliver the title shot many believe he has earned. For Ruffy, it represents the biggest opportunity of his career and a chance to announce himself as the division’s next elite contender.
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