The headline fight of UFC 331 features a rematch between Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja for the lightweight title, but it’s expected to feel somewhat underwhelming. Instead, the spotlight is truly on the co-main event where Arman Tsarukyan faces Mauricio Ruffy in a crucial lightweight clash.
Tsarukyan risks becoming the most skilled UFC fighter never to earn a shot at the title, while Ruffy is positioned to claim his first opportunity for the belt—something Tsarukyan knows is fragile. In January 2025, Tsarukyan was scheduled to fight Islam Makhachev for the lightweight championship at UFC 311 but had to pull out just hours before weigh-ins due to back problems. This decision clearly upset UFC President Dana White, and as Tsarukyan prepares to face Ruffy, he openly acknowledges the high stakes: losing here likely means losing any future chance at a title fight.
Ruffy has publicly stated that the UFC has promised him a title shot if he beats Tsarukyan. With Tsarukyan ranked second in the lightweight division and Ruffy sitting at number ten, a win for Ruffy would catapult him up the rankings. Conversely, a decisive loss for Ruffy could jeopardize his position amid fierce competition from top contenders like Ilia Topuria, Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, and Paddy Pimblett, all aiming to challenge reigning champion Justin Gaethje.
No other matchup on the UFC 331 card carries stakes as significant as this one.
The UFC’s notorious troublemaker
When it comes to controversial and provocative behavior, Sean Strickland and Josh Hokit are often highlighted, but Tsarukyan arguably outshines them as UFC’s reigning “bad boy.” His list of infractions is notable: in 2024, he punched a fan during his UFC 300 walkout; in November, he head-butted Dan Hooker at their weigh-in; in February, he incited a chaotic brawl at Real American Freestyle 6; and in April, he was removed from an American Airlines flight, reportedly for refusing to sit during taxiing.
Whether these antics have caused White to sideline Tsarukyan remains to be seen, and the result of his fight against Ruffy might hold the key to his future in the organization.
Originally published on USA TODAY: Why this UFC 331 fight means far more than Van vs Pantoja main event
Fan Take: This fight is pivotal not just for Tsarukyan and Ruffy but for the lightweight division’s landscape as a whole. For fight fans, it underscores how every step toward a title shot is a high-pressure battle, reminding us that the sport thrives on both incredible talent and intense competition.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
