Mauricio Ruffy

Arman Tsarukyan has stated that a defeat to Mauricio Ruffy would effectively end his chances of ever competing for the UFC title. The Armenian lightweight contender views the upcoming bout as a must-win to keep his championship aspirations alive.

Tsarukyan

Arman Tsarukyan with a huge KO!👀 Arman Tsarukyan reminds UFC fans why he is one of the most dangerous lightweights on the planet picking up an incredible in over Maurico Ruffy in the co main event of UFC 331 Arman has repeatedly said he wants the title shot, is now the time?

Tsarukyan

The spinning back kick is one of the most effective highlight-reel weapons in mixed martial arts, and history keeps proving it. Known as ushiro geri in karate and dwit chagi in Taekwondo, the rear-facing thrust kick generates force behind the kicker, making it uniquely deceptive when disguised with a feint. Edson Barboza's spinning heel kick knockout of Terry Etim in 2012 remains one of the most technically documented finishes ever, while Mauricio Ruffy's 2025 spinning wheel kick knockout of King Green at UFC 313 won Knockout of the Year. The technique carries real risk, since the 180-degree blind spot leaves fighters exposed if the timing is off. Known for relentless creativity and ferocious blind-side power, the spinning back kick remains one of combat sports' rarest finishes.

Etim, Barboza, Green

Mauricio Ruffy is one of the UFC's most explosive strikers, and he's building his grappling to survive Arman Tsarukyan. Nicknamed after One Piece's Monkey D. Luffy, the Brazilian holds a dominant 14-2 professional record in mixed martial arts with 13 knockouts, and he faces the number-one lightweight contender in the UFC 331 co-main event on September 19, 2026, in Los Angeles. Ruffy has spent camp specifically drilling wrestling defense with coach Joe Lopez and training partners like Alexander Volkanovski, calling himself still learning the sport but confident his scrambling has improved enough to survive Tsarukyan's takedowns. Known for relentless volume and a ferocious finishing rate, Ruffy insists he'll still be hunting a knockout in his toughest test yet.

Tsarukyan

UFC commentator Jon Anik says the promotion is having internal conversations about booking a rematch between lightweight champion Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria. Gaethje claimed the undisputed UFC lightweight title this summer when Topuria's corner threw in the towel at UFC White House, marking the first loss of Topuria's MMA career. Gaethje has already stated he will not compete again until 2027, leaving the lightweight title picture unsettled, with Max Holloway, Charles Oliveira, and the winner of Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy all in contention.

Oliveira, Holloway, Topuria+3

Arman Tsarukyan is working with kickboxing legend Giorgio Petrosyan in the final stage of his training camp ahead of his fight against Mauricio Ruffy. Petrosyan, who holds a professional record of 109 wins and 3 losses across a 23-year career that included a 42-fight winning streak, is focusing specifically on helping Tsarukyan sharpen his timing against Ruffy's striking. Tsarukyan is also sparring with PFL Latvia-based fighter Alexander Chizov as part of his camp preparation.

Tsarukyan