Tsarukyan Knocks Out Ruffy, Demands Title Shot From Gaethje

Arman Tsarukyan delivered a first-round knockout of Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 on September 19, 2026, in Los Angeles, cementing his status as the top contender for the lightweight title. The victory, earned via a late elbow in the opening round, extended Tsarukyan's winning streak to six fights and immediately positioned him as the next challenger for champion Justin Gaethje. Following the performance, UFC President Dana White praised Tsarukyan's redemption arc. "When you f up, then you come back and you do everything the right way, I mean, he couldn't have had a better comeback after the things that he had done that I wasn't thrilled about," White said at the post-fight press conference. He added that the finish was "incredible" after he initially thought Ruffy was gaining momentum. Tsarukyan wasted no time calling for a title shot. "He already know what's his message. He's fighting me next," Tsarukyan told reporters, stating he had spoken with White about the matchup. He expressed confidence in his ability to defeat Gaethje, saying, "He can defend my wrestling, but he cannot defend my striking." The path to a title fight, however, is uncertain.