Could Tsarukyan Be Fighting For The Title?
Arman Tsarukyan (23-3) says he is one win away from challenging for the UFC lightweight championship.
The freestyle wrestler is on a five-fight winning streak in the UFC, including a first-round knockout over Beneil Dariush and a split-decision win over Charles Oliveira. He has not fought since submitting Dan Hooker with an arm-triangle choke in November 2025.
The 29-year-old returns to the Octagon on September 19 when he faces Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Joshua Van puts his UFC flyweight title on the line in a rematch against Alexandre Pantoja in the main event.
Tsarukyan said this week that he has been told a victory over Ruffy would lead to a title shot.
According to Tsarukyan, he met with UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell and the two reached a verbal agreement over his path to a championship fight.
“When you sit with somebody and shake their hand, it’s going to be like that,” Tsarukyan said. “The best option is to fight, stay active … I’ve got to build my name. I’m the best, so why shouldn’t I take the fight? I make good money for this fight so everything’s good: money, hype, and No. 1 contender fight.”
Justin Gaethje is the UFC lightweight champion. Tsarukyan is the No. 2-ranked contender, while Ruffy is ranked No. 10.