Arman Tsarukyan has an opportunity to remind UFC fans why he remains one of the lightweight division's most dangerous contenders when he faces Mauricio Ruffy in the co-main event of UFC 331 this Saturday.
The Armenian fighter has competed just once inside the Octagon since April 2024, while Ruffy has gone 5-1 under the UFC banner during that same period. Despite his limited activity in the promotion, Tsarukyan has stayed busy outside the UFC, competing in professional grappling and wrestling organizations, primarily under the Real American Freestyle (RAF) banner.
Rather than viewing his time away from the Octagon as a setback, Tsarukyan believes his continued competition has helped him maintain his conditioning and develop his wrestling and grappling.
Speaking to UFC News ahead of his upcoming matchup, Tsarukyan expressed his excitement about fighting in Los Angeles, where a large Armenian community is expected to support him.
“I feel great, excited, and happy to be here. It's always so special to represent my country, and especially we are fighting in L.A., so it's a big (Armenian) community. I'm excited.”
Tsarukyan Credits RAF Competition for Continued Development
Tsarukyan has remained active through frequent appearances in RAF and other professional wrestling and grappling competitions. According to the lightweight contender, the regular competition has helped him stay prepared for the demands of fight week while sharpening key aspects of his skill set.
“It gives me a lot of... You always compete, and when you go, for example, ‘now it's a fight week,’ I feel like I'm going through this every two weeks. For me it's better to stay in shape and compete all the time. And I got better in wrestling and grappling as well.”
Tsarukyan Targets a Finish Against Ruffy
Tsarukyan recognizes the threat Ruffy presents on the feet, particularly the Brazilian fighter's punching power. However, he remains confident in his ability to execute his game plan and secure a decisive victory.
“He's a good striker, has a good punch, strong punch, and yeah, good fighter. It's just (that) I got to do my job very well and take his head and go forward. I'm not going to need five rounds.”
The Armenian contender also believes a victory over Ruffy could place him in position for another title opportunity. With the lightweight division remaining highly competitive, Tsarukyan views the matchup as a chance to make a significant statement.
“This fight puts me (into a) fight for the title. Contender number one, yeah. Of course, I was looking for the statement to show that I'm not a decision machine. I'm the guy who came and finished. I'm looking for a finish. I want to show an exciting fight.”
