Second-ranked lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan will return to the octagon on Sept. 19 in the UFC 331 co-main event with a title shot on the line. The 29 year-old takes on No. 7 ranked Mauricio Ruffy in a No. 1 contenders match.
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According to Tsarukyan, he’s been promised a title shot with a win over Ruffy. While not in writing, Tsarukyan met with the fight promotion’s chief business officer Hunter Campbell and was given a verbal and handshake deal. He believes the UFC executive will stick to his word
“That’s enough for me,” Tsarukyan said on
Tsarukyan could have sat out and waiting for the title fight but opted to accept a fight instead. He last fought in November 2025.
“It was an option, but the best option is to fight, you know, to stay active and especially in L.A.,” Tsarukyan said. “I’ve got to build my name and like I know I’m the best so why shouldn’t I take the fight? And like, I make good money as well for this fight so everything’s good: money, hype, and No. 1 contender fight.”
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This story was originally published August 17, 2026 at 10:38 PM.
