Arman Tsarukyan Says Next UFC Fight Is Win or Go Home for Title Dreams

Lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan believes his entire career is on the line ahead of his highly anticipated co-main event appearance at UFC 331 on September 19. The top-ranked 155-pounder has endured a frustrating road back to the spotlight after a sudden back injury stripped him of a title shot against Islam Makhachev in January 2025.

Nearly two years later, Tsarukyan is finally back in the mix, but he must get past the dangerous Mauricio Ruffy to reclaim his spot as the rightful title challenger. Knowing how quickly opportunities can vanish in mixed martial arts, Tsarukyan views this high-stakes matchup as an absolute must-win situation.

"If I lose this fight, I’m never going to see a title fight," Tsarukyan admitted on his YouTube channel. Driven by that pressure, the wrestling specialist is entering his training camp with maximum intensity, refusing to look past his opponent.

While oddsmakers heavily favor Tsarukyan's elite grappling against Ruffy's striking-heavy style, the former title challenger remains highly alert. He noted that Ruffy possesses elite knockout power, making tactical discipline essential. The lightweight clash will serve as the premier setup for the night’s main event, where flyweight champion Joshua Van defends his crown against Alexandre Pantoja.