Mauricio Ruffy has issued his first public reaction after learning he will face Arman Tsarukyan in the co-main event of UFC 331.
The highly anticipated lightweight bout was officially announced by the UFC on Wednesday, with Ruffy and Tsarukyan set to meet over five rounds on September 19.
Ruffy enters the biggest fight of his career riding an impressive run in 2026. The Brazilian stopped Rafael Fiziev at UFC 325 in January before delivering a highlight-reel knockout of former Bellator champion Michael Chandler at the UFC's White House event in June.
Meanwhile, Tsarukyan returns to the Octagon for the first time since defeating Dan Hooker last October. Although he has not competed in MMA since that victory, the Armenian has remained active, making 13 appearances in other combat sports disciplines, the majority of them under the Real American Freestyle wrestling promotion.
Following the announcement, Ruffy took to his Instagram Stories to share his excitement about the opportunity and made it clear he believes a win would earn him a shot at UFC gold.
"Hey guys, the big news is out, Maurício Ruffy vs. Arman Tsarukyan. When I win this fight, let's go straight for the title.
"And that's it guys, let's go give it my best. I don't feel pressured at all. I'm feeling privileged, very grateful to God for all of this.
"I'm going there to seek this knockout. I don't want to leave the Octagon without this result. I'm going to travel now, I'm going to Australia to do the whole camp there."
Ruffy also confirmed that he will complete his training camp in Australia, where he is expected to work alongside UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski as he prepares for the toughest test of his career.
With both men positioned near the top of the lightweight division, the UFC 331 co-main event could have significant title implications, particularly if Ruffy is able to extend his unbeaten run inside the Octagon against one of the division's top contenders.
