Arman Tsarukyan to face Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331

Mauricio Ruffy has been confirmed as the new opponent for Arman Tsarukyan in a five-round lightweight co-main event at UFC 331, scheduled for September 19 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

UFC President Dana White stated that Ruffy was a replacement choice after the originally planned opponent "fell out." While White did not officially name the original fighter, reports and commentator Daniel Cormier suggest the matchup was intended to be a rematch between Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira. The change is reportedly linked to the sudden death of Oliveira's teammate and fellow fighter, Allan Nascimento, who passed away from an apparent heart attack.

The bout serves as a significant opportunity for both fighters. Tsarukyan is looking to solidify his standing for a title shot, while Ruffy, a rising Brazilian striker, aims to secure a championship path through a knockout victory. Ruffy has stated, "Winning this fight takes us straight to the title."