UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has his sights set firmly on UFC gold, but the Armenian already has ambitious plans for what could come after his next fight.
Speaking at the UFC 331 press conference, Tsarukyan joked that he would fight both Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria on the same night after becoming UFC lightweight champion. He then looked toward Dana White and added:
“It’s a nightmare for somebody.”
Check out Arman Tsarukyan’s comments below:
The confident statement comes ahead of a crucial showdown with Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331. With the lightweight division currently led by newly crowned champion Justin Gaethje, Tsarukyan knows a victory could put him within touching distance of another title opportunity.
Arman Tsarukyan Has Championship Gold in His Sights
Arman Tsarukyan enters his fight with Ruffy in a pivotal position within the lightweight division.
‘Ahalkalakets’ has established himself as one of the division’s elite contenders through victories over several top-level opponents, but another win is now essential if he wants to return to the championship picture.
Ruffy represents a particularly dangerous challenge. The Brazilian has rapidly built a reputation as one of the division’s most explosive strikers, making this a high-stakes clash between two contenders with genuine championship ambitions.
For Tsarukyan, however, the objective remains straightforward.
Beat Ruffy and move one step closer to Gaethje.
The newly crowned lightweight champion could potentially be waiting for the winner, depending on how the UFC structures the division following UFC 331.
Arman Tsarukyan Still Has Unfinished Business With Topuria
Ilia Topuria’s name carries additional weight whenever Tsarukyan discusses his championship aspirations.
The Armenian repeatedly called for a title fight against Topuria after the Spaniard captured the lightweight championship. Tsarukyan believed his position near the top of the division made him deserving of the opportunity.
Topuria ultimately chose not to give Tsarukyan the title shot he wanted, leading to considerable frustration from the Armenian contender.
That history explains why Topuria remains one of the most intriguing names on Tsarukyan’s hit list.
Now, however, the situation has changed.
Topuria is no longer the lightweight champion, with Gaethje taking possession of the belt. If Tsarukyan defeats Ruffy and eventually captures the championship, a future matchup with Topuria could become possible.
Paddy Pimblett Is Another Target
Paddy Pimblett has also emerged as a major name in Arman Tsarukyan’s orbit.
The two fighters have developed a competitive rivalry from a distance, with both men possessing championship aspirations in the lightweight division. Tsarukyan’s latest comments suggest that he would have no hesitation about sharing the Octagon with Pimblett if the opportunity arises.
His suggestion of fighting Pimblett and Topuria on the same night was clearly delivered with humor, but it also demonstrated the confidence Tsarukyan carries into UFC 331.
He believes he belongs at the very top of the division.
Mauricio Ruffy Stands Between Arman Tsarukyan and Another Title Shot
Before Arman Tsarukyan can think about Pimblett, Topuria or Gaethje, he has to solve the immediate problem in front of him.
Ruffy possesses the kind of explosive offense that can punish even the smallest mistake, meaning Tsarukyan cannot afford to overlook his opponent while thinking about potential championship fights.
The Armenian’s elite wrestling and grappling could prove crucial, particularly if he can force Ruffy into prolonged exchanges on the mat. At the same time, Ruffy’s striking presents a serious threat whenever the fight remains standing.
That makes UFC 331 one of the most important fights of Tsarukyan’s career. A victory could put him directly back into the title conversation. A defeat could force him to rebuild once again.
For now, Tsarukyan is already looking toward the biggest names available. But before he can turn his “nightmare” scenario involving Pimblett and Topuria into reality, he must first get past Ruffy and earn his path back to UFC gold.
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