# UFC 331 lightweight bout changes and controversy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ufc-331-lightweight-bout-changes > Updated: 2026-09-04T20:01:39.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 7. Arman Tsarukyan is scheduled to face Mauricio Ruffy in a five-round co-main event at UFC 331 in Los Angeles on September 19. This matchup follows the cancellation of Tsarukyan’s BMF title rematch with Charles Oliveira, which occurred after the death of Oliveira’s teammate, Allan Nascimento. Tsarukyan previously accused Oliveira of using the tragedy as an excuse to avoid the fight. Ruffy, a knockout specialist who has secured 13 of his 14 MMA victories by knockout, accepted the bout on short notice while training in Australia. He has stated his primary objective is to seek a finish and noted he has been working to improve his takedown defense to counter Tsarukyan’s grappling. Ruffy described the matchup as likely the most difficult challenge of his career. While it was initially expected that the winner would earn a direct shot at lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, UFC CEO Dana White has declined to guarantee a title shot. White stated, “I hate to say that until the fight is over,” citing a complicated relationship with Tsarukyan following the fighter's injury-related withdrawal from UFC 311. White’s comments suggest an emphatic performance, such as a stoppage, may be necessary to secure a title opportunity. In addition to the Ruffy matchup, Tsarukyan’s public profile has been marked by an intensifying rivalry with Paddy Pimblett, who has criticized Tsarukyan’s lifestyle and wealth. ## Claims - Charles Oliveira used the death of his teammate as an excuse to avoid a rematch with Arman Tsarukyan. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Oliveira returned to training within 3 to 4 days of his teammate's death. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Arman Tsarukyan is scheduled to fight Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Tsarukyan vs. Ruffy bout will be the co-main event of UFC 331. (corroborated by 3 sources) - UFC 331 is scheduled to take place on September 19 in Los Angeles. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The death of Allan Nascimento was cited as the reason for Oliveira's withdrawal from the rumored rematch. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-04: Dana White declines to guarantee Arman Tsarukyan title shot UFC CEO Dana White refused to guarantee Arman Tsarukyan a lightweight title shot against Justin Gaethje, even if he defeats Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 in Los Angeles. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dana-white-declines-to-guarantee-arman-tsarukyan-title-shot ### 2026-08-27: Mauricio Ruffy targets knockout against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 331 Mauricio Ruffy aims for a knockout against Arman Tsarukyan in the UFC 331 co-main event, focusing on improving his takedown defense to counter Tsarukyan’s grappling style. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mauricio-ruffy-targets-knockout-against-arman-tsarukyan-at-ufc-331 ### 2026-08-25: Mauricio Ruffy's improved wrestling to face Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 331 Coach Joe Lopez says Mauricio Ruffy has overhauled his defensive wrestling and scrambling to prepare for Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 331 in Los Angeles. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mauricio-ruffys-improved-wrestling-to-face-arman-tsarukyan-at-ufc-331 ### 2026-08-19: Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy to fight at UFC 331 Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy will compete at UFC 331 in Los Angeles, with the winner poised to become the next lightweight title contender. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mauricio-ruffy-to-face-arman-tsarukyan-at-ufc-331 ### 2026-08-17: Arman Tsarukyan accuses Charles Oliveira of using teammate's death as excuse Arman Tsarukyan claims Charles Oliveira used the death of teammate Allan Nascimento as an excuse to avoid a rematch, instead facing Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 in Los Angeles. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arman-tsarukyan-accuses-charles-oliveira-of-using-teammates-death-as-excuse ### 2026-08-08: Arman Tsarukyan to face Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 Mauricio Ruffy will replace Charles Oliveira to face Arman Tsarukyan in a lightweight co-main event at UFC 331 on September 19 in Los Angeles. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arman-tsarukyan-to-face-mauricio-ruffy-at-ufc-331 ### 2026-07-23: Arman Tsarukyan to Face Charles Oliveira in BMF Title Rematch at UFC 331 UFC 331 on Sept 19 in Los Angeles will pit Arman Tsarukyan against Charles Oliveira in a BMF title rematch, with Tsarukyan eyeing two title fights this year. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arman-tsarukyan-to-face-charles-oliveira-in-bmf-title-rematch-at-ufc-331 --- Cite as: UFC 331 lightweight bout changes and controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ufc-331-lightweight-bout-changes