Tsarukyan faces Ruffy at UFC 331 in Los Angeles

Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy are set to collide at UFC 331, scheduled for September 20, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with both men competing in the lightweight division.

Tsarukyan, known by his nickname "Ahalkalakets," enters the bout as the second-ranked lightweight in the UFC. The 29-year-old Russian, who trains out of American Top Team, carries a 23-3 record and brings a well-rounded offensive game to the cage. He lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy and adds consistent wrestling pressure, averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes along with a modest submission threat.

Ruffy, ranked seventh in the division, represents Brazil and trains with The Fighting Nerds. The 30-year-old holds a 14-2 record and has built a reputation as a sharp striker, connecting at a striking accuracy of 58 percent and landing 4.19 significant strikes per minute. Standing five-foot-eleven with a 75-inch reach, he carries a notable physical size advantage over Tsarukyan, who stands five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach.

Why it matters

• Tsarukyan sits just one step outside the title picture at No. 2, making a win or loss here significant for his championship aspirations
• Ruffy, ranked seventh, has a chance to vault into the upper tier of the division with a strong performance against a top contender
• The stylistic contrast is sharp — Tsarukyan's wrestling-heavy pressure against Ruffy's accurate, high-volume striking — which sets up an interesting tactical battle in the standup and clinch exchanges